Re: Throwing Up

In Reply to: Throwing Up
Category:   Medical
Posted by:  Penny
Posted on:  March 28, 2003 at 09:46:10

: Is there anything I can give to my dog to make him throw up besides hydrogine peroxide? He has a fondness for stretchy things, like hair scrunchies, nylon socks, and footies, and has wised up to the peroxide and won't go near it. Luckily, he gets carsick, so a good bumpy ride will eventually do the trick, but one day, that might not work. My vet says to just wait and see if it shows up, or if he starts acting differently. Any other suggestions? I promise to start picking up my socks!

Response:

Dear Penny,

This is one of those truly horrible Catch-22s because there are consequences for both methods. Forcing your dog to vomit irritates the upper GI tract which, over time, can affect your dog's ability to swallow or hold down food. Small "non-food" items generally do pass on their own but there is still a risk that they won't and he'll need to have surgery to remove it. This surgery is usually an emergency and can be quite traumatic for both the dog and you.

I suggest some basic obedience work on the "drop it!" command so that you can easily take the sock from him when you catch him in the act. If your dog is doing this when you're not home, then you need to confine him. Consider too why he developed this fondness for stretchy things -- is he bored, is he teething/has a dental problem, is he trying to get your attention? -- and then take steps to correct it.

We're going to hold you to your promise, Penny, to start picking up your socks. :-)