Can Dogs Eat Alcohol?

The main component in alcoholic drinks, ethanol, is a potent central nervous system depressant. Because dogs cannot metabolize it effectively, it is rapidly absorbed into their bloodstream, causing a dangerous drop in blood sugar, blood pressure, and body temperature. Their smaller size also means that a small amount of alcohol can have a dramatic and devastating effect.

• The danger isn't just from alcoholic beverages. Dogs can be poisoned by alcohol from less obvious sources:
• Alcoholic Drinks: Never leave alcoholic beverages unattended where a dog can reach them.
• Raw Bread Dough: As yeast ferments in the warm, moist environment of a dog's stomach, it produces ethanol, which is absorbed into the bloodstream. The rising dough can also cause a life-threatening condition called bloat.
• Rotten/Fermenting Fruit: Fruit that has fallen from trees and started to ferment can contain alcohol.
• Household Products: Mouthwash, some medications, and even hand sanitizer can contain alcohol.

• Symptoms can appear very quickly and are a sign of a dire emergency. They include:
• Stumbling and lack of coordination
• Lethargy and depression
• Vomiting
• Drooling
• Weakness
• Slowed breathing
• Collapse
• In severe cases, alcohol poisoning leads to respiratory failure, seizures, coma, and death.

This is a life-threatening veterinary emergency. Contact your vet or an animal poison control center immediately. Do not wait. The faster your dog receives professional medical care, the better their chance of survival.

Alcohol is extremely dangerous for dogs in any form. Always keep alcoholic beverages and other alcohol-containing products securely away from your pets.