What may be safe for dogs can be downright dangerous to cats. Case in point: hydrogen peroxide.
Yes, hydrogen peroxide can be safely given to a dog suspected of ingesting a toxin to induce vomiting under certain circumstances. Play it safe by contacting a veterinarian by phone or online who can guide you on the correct method and correct amount based on the dog’s weight.
Generally, the formula is to give 1 teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide per 10 pounds of weight in dogs. Depending on the situation, the veterinarian on the phone or online may suggest you give a second dose 10 minutes later. Be sure to bring in the vomit for the veterinary team to analyze.
Then you will be instructed for your dog’s safety to get safely and quickly to the nearest veterinary clinic where the staff has the equipment, medicine and skills to treat your poisoned dog.
But as I share in my pet first aid/CPR classes, veterinarians declare to never give hydrogen peroxide to cats. Never.
Dangers of Cats and Hydrogen Peroxide
Cats have more sensitive physiologies than their canine counterparts. Ingesting hydrogen peroxide can cause these serious issues for cats:
• Irritation to the esophagus
• Injuries to the stomach
• Internal bleeding
• Buildup of dangerous oxygen gas in the body
What To Do If Your Cat Is Poisoned
- Look around for any evidence of a poison your cat may have swallowed.
- Immediately contact your veterinarian or national pet poison agencies staffed 24-7 by veterinary toxicologists for guidance. Keep these toll-free numbers handy:
- ASPCA Poison Control Hotline: 888426-4435
- Pet Poison Helpline: 855 764-7661
- Remain calm as your cat can react to your emotional state and attempt to flee.
- Give the veterinarian specifics about your cat’s condition. Let them know if your cat is awake or unconscious. Is your cat breathing normally or is the breathing labored? Report if your cat is drooling or having a seizure.
Guidelines for Giving Hydrogen Peroxide to Dogs
Dogs tend to examine their worlds by attempting to eat things. Time for you to act like a pet detective by gathering clues and immediately contacting your veterinarian on what you suspect your dog swallowed.
A veterinarian may guide you on giving your dog hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting if you confirm your dog swallowed human pain medications under these conditions:
• Your dog swallowed human medicine within two hours.
• Your dog is awake.
• Your dog is not having trouble breathing.
• Your dog is not experiencing any seizures.
Situations When to Induce Vomiting in Dogs
Tap your pet detective skills for clues on what your dog ate. Never give hydrogen peroxide if your dog ingested:
• Batteries that can cause burns to a dog’s mouth, throat and GI tract.
• Sharp items, such as staples or broken glass
• Household cleaners
• Gasoline
• Kerosene
• Furniture polish
Learn more
You can learn more on ways to keep your cats and dogs safe by visiting https://www.protrainings.com/courses/pets. Consider taking our veterinarian-approved online pet first aid/CPR course. Enter this code: CPR – ARDEN MOORE and receive a 10 percent discount! And, if you are interested in becoming a Pro Pet Hero instructor, please click on the BECOME AN INSTRUCTOR button on the home page for more details.
