Eyeeeew. I know. Let me start by saying the beast got ahold of an OTC cold medication while we weren’t looking. He didn’t have it long, just long enough. Eek, two pills gone and one out of the foil wrapper but intact. Couldn’t remember if a human popped it out of it’s airtight little seal or if the beast did it. We called the vet (very important step), he acted fine, BUT because of what this cold medication was we were told that unless we were 100% certain that he did NOT ingest any of it we needed to induce vomiting. Great. We were 99% sure he didn’t get to anything. We are oh so careful, but darn it… despite your best intentions he gets ahold of something anyway. We were told to induce vomiting with Hydrogen Peroxide (the regular 3% kind you get at the drug store), the vet told us the amount to give and to wait ten minutes, if no vomiting, repeat. Of course we had to repeat, then give a little water, then run around the yard to get it moving into his stomach and then whew… “it” happened. NO PILLS. Thank goodness, but better to be safe rather than sorry. He probably won’t trust us for a while, we’re both getting what we call “stink eye”. This dog has the uncanny ability to give a dirty look. Great! None of that “I love you no matter what” with Charlie!
Bottom line (if you’re a dog owner) I think it’s really important to have HYDROGEN PEROXIDE, and it’s extra nice to have an oral syringe, we used a ceramic chinese soup spoon. Best thing we had in a pinch. It wasn’t pretty. But it worked.
So be prepared… you don’t want to have to run to the store when you really can’t leave the beast alone!
Here’s a blip from dogs.about.com (click HERE for full article)
If you believe that your dog has ingested a dangerous substance, it is essential to act right away. However, you should never induce vomiting without first speaking with a veterinary professional. Begin by calling a veterinarian’s office or an animal poison control hotline. You should have the package and a sample of the toxin with you during the phone call, if available. The quicker you can explain what your pet ate, the faster therapy can begin.
After reaching a veterinary professional, he or she will advise you of the next steps. If the recommendation is to induce vomiting, you will most likely to be instructed to orally administer a small amount of hydrogen peroxide. It is a good idea to keep a supply of hydrogen peroxide in your home at all times. Syringes may also be very useful for administering the solution by mouth. The recommended dosage may vary depending on the type of dog you have and the present situation. Be sure to follow the instructions for the amount and frequency of hydrogen peroxide doses. In some cases, you will be advised to follow up with your primary veterinarian, but many times you will be told to rush to your veterinarian or an emergency veterinarian right away.
ALERT NOTE: Inducing vomiting is not always the correct method after ingestion of a dangerous substance. In some cases, vomiting can cause very severe consequences. DO NOT attempt to induce vomiting before calling for assistance. Always follow the instructions given to you by a veterinary professional.
Important Contact Information to Keep Handy
In case of toxin exposure, keep a list of important phone numbers in a visible, easily accessible location. Be sure pet sitters and other people who might be in your home are aware of the location of the list. The following phone numbers should be included:
- Your primary veterinarian
- One or more nearby 24-hour veterinary emergency clinics
- ASPCA Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 ($50 fee)
- Animal Poison Hotline: 888-232-8870 ($35 fee)
- Pet Poison Hotline: 800-213-6680 ($35 fee)
- An emergency contact number for you and your dog’s co-owner (if applicable).
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