• Dogs are prone to eating potentially harmful substances.dog image by Michal Tudek from Fotolia.com
  
  The inquisitive nature of a dog often causes it to ingest the most unusual things, which may ultimately prove harmful or even toxic to your dog. This is when a veterinarian or an animal poison control center may suggest the induction of vomiting, generally within two hours after ingesting the toxic substance. There are various products that may help accomplish this at home; however, the induction of vomiting should be done only under the strict guidance of a veterinarian, since some ingested substances can do more harm than good when brought back up.
  
  

Hydrogen Peroxide

• Keep hydrogen peroxide 3% in your dog's first aid kit.brown bottle image by Jim Mills from Fotolia.com
  
  Hydrogen peroxide is the most common product used to induce vomiting in dogs. In order to be safe, the strength must be three percent, not higher as in the hair coloring types. While the label on the bottle may state that it is toxic, it is safe to give to dogs, and the warning is posted, because it induces vomiting.
  
  The appropriate dose needed to induce vomiting in dogs is one teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide per ten pounds of body weight, according to Dawn Ruben, a veterinarian who writes for Pet Place. Vomiting should then take place within 20 minutes. If the dog does not vomit, then a second dose may be given. If still not effective, then a veterinarian must be sought immediately in order to administer a stronger emetic or perform a gastric lavage.
  
  

Syrup of Ipecac

• Syrup of ipecac may have cardiotoxic effects.cough syrup image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com
  
  Syrup of ipecac, a product often used for inducing vomiting in children, tends to induce vomiting in dogs within 30 minutes after administration, but its administration may come with some risks. While this product is commonly available over the counter, it is not FDA approved for use in animals: however, veterinarians may prescribe it legally, as an extra label drug. Syrup of ipecac must be given under strict veterinarian advice, since repeated dosages may have the potential of becoming cardiotoxic, warns the ASPCA animal control center.
  
  

Salt

• Use salt with caution, and consult with your vet first, to avoid dangerous complications.salt and pepper image by Rog999 from Fotolia.com
  
  Salt is another product that may induce vomiting in dogs; however, it also may cause complications, if not given correctly. Indeed, too much may cause salt toxicity. The Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook, a book by veterinarian Delbert G. Carlson Jr. and James M. Giffin, suggest you give one half to one teaspoonful of table salt, placed at the back of the dog's tongue. However, the ASPCA warns owners about the risks associated with administering salt, which may cause excessive thirst and urination, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, elevated body temperature, seizures and even death, when given in large amounts.