Can Dogs Drink Beer, Wine or Liquor?

Many people enjoy a beer or two on a hot day. But is it safe to share a cold one with your dog? And what if your dog drinks beer or other alcohol left sitting out?

While it may seem fun – or cute – to have a beer with your dog, please don’t.

There are some foods dogs shouldn’t have under any circumstances, and alcohol is one of them. That includes beer, wine, liquor or even foods containing alcohol (such as a rum-soaked cake).

What Happens When a Dog Drinks Alcohol?

Just like chocolate and onions, alcohol is toxic to dogs. Even small amounts of alcohol, including syrups and raw bread dough, can have ingredients poisonous to them. Both ethanol (the intoxicating ingredient in beer, wine and liquor) and hops (used to brew beer) can cause alcohol intoxication in dogs. Signs of intoxication include:

• Excessive panting
• Vomiting
• Disorientation
• High body temperature
• Restlessness
• Muscle tremors and seizures
• Stumbling or loss of coordination
• Lethargy
• Drooling

In severe cases, or if left untreated, alcohol intoxication in dogs can cause failure of the organ systems and can be lethal.

Is It Ever OK to Let My Dog Have a Sip of My Drink?

While it may seem harmless to let your dog take a small sip of your beer, wine, liquor or mixed drink, the bottom line is you should never let your dog drink alcohol. It might seem amusing, but it could put your dog’s health at risk.

What Should I Do If My Dog Accidentally Drinks Alcohol?

Dogs are scavengers and sometimes, despite our best efforts, they may find some alcohol and drink it. The first thing you should do is call your veterinarian and get recommendations on how to proceed. Some vets will want to see your dog right away and others, depending on how much you suspect your dog drank, might suggest you wait it out to see if your dog has a reaction before coming in.

Usually, if your dog has had more than a small sip of alcohol he or she needs to be seen by a vet right away. If your vet’s office is closed, take your dog to the nearest veterinarian hospital. If your dog has alcohol poisoning, he or she will need treatment immediately. Call the vet or emergency hospital while you’re on your way so a vet can be waiting for you as soon as you arrive.

If your dog appears drunk, you need to head to the veterinarian right away. A drunk-looking dog is in danger and his or her life may even be threatened. They should never be allowed to “sleep it off”.

At the veterinary hospital, a veterinarian will help hydrate your dog, regulate your dog’s blood sugars and body temperature, and provide supportive care.

Preventing Your Dog From Drinking Alcohol

Here are some basic tips for preventing your dog from drinking alcohol.

• Store all alcohol out of reach of your dog

Keeping alcohol out of reach of your pup will prevent him or her from accidentally getting into it.

• Do not leave alcoholic beverages unattended

Even if it’s for a short time, never leave a glass or can with alcohol in it unattended. Make sure to throw out or put any leftovers in the fridge before you go to bed. Many dogs are curious and may want to drink something they’ve seen you drinking.

• Let your guests know not to give your dog alcohol

If you’re having a social gathering and your dog will be there, be sure to let your guests know not to give your dog alcohol at any time. If you are planning to get heavily intoxicated, you may want to consider putting your dog in a secure area to avoid accidental alcohol consumption.

• Get your dog away from any spills

In case of a spill, make sure to attend to your dog first and worry about cleaning up after you know your dog does not have access to the alcohol. While a wine-stained rug can be replaced, your dog cannot.

Dog Beer: The Safer Way to Share a Drink With Your Dog

Dogs seem to be attracted to eating or drinking just about anything. They don’t seem to be particularly attracted to beer or alcohol, but they’re curious, they love to consume things they see you eating or drinking, and they naturally want to explore with their mouths. And, it can be hard to resist those begging doe-eyes.

So, if your heart is set on sharing a beer with your dog, there is a beer alternative for dogs. It’s made by Busch Beer and it’s called Dog Brew by Busch. The main ingredient in Dog Brew is bone broth. You can even try it if you want, but I don’t recommend it. (Dog Brew caters to canine tastes, not-so-much human taste buds.)

Other dog-safe brands include DarkBrew Beef Ale and Bowser Beer.

Now that you are aware of the dangers of beer for dogs, do all you can to keep your pooch away from beer, and other alcoholic drinks, at all times. No matter how much your dog begs, it’s never OK to share! If an accident occurs, now you know how to respond to the situation.

Have you discovered your dog has drank alcohol? What did you do? Please share your experience with the rest of the Canine Campus community by commenting below…