Dangers of Alcohol for Dogs
Alcohol is toxic for dogs in any amount. Even small doses can cause problems like vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination, breathing difficulties, seizures, and coma (Source). The dangers arise because dogs metabolize alcohol differently than humans. They have fewer enzymes in their liver to process alcohol, so it builds up quickly in their bloodstream and affects their brain and central nervous system (Source). The smaller the dog, the greater the effects since there is less body mass for the alcohol to distribute throughout. Just a little bit of beer, liquor, wine or food containing alcohol can cause alcohol poisoning in dogs.
How Alcohol Affects Dogs
Alcohol is toxic to dogs because their bodies cannot effectively break it down like humans can. Dogs lack critical enzymes in their liver that are needed to metabolize alcohol properly [1]. When a dog consumes alcohol, the ethanol is absorbed directly into their bloodstream and affects their brain and organ functions.
Specifically, alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. It inhibits brain activity and impairs motor skills, balance, and coordination. Dogs will exhibit symptoms like stumbling, disorientation, lack of coordination, and excessive drowsiness. Their pupils may become dilated and they can experience significant lapses in judgement. Alcohol intoxication resembles that in humans – the dog appears “drunk” [2].
Because alcohol remains in their bloodstream, dogs experience prolonged intoxication effects compared to humans. It takes their bodies significantly longer to metabolize and excrete the alcohol from their system. During this extended period of depressant effects, dogs remain vulnerable to alcohol poisoning and accident/injury.
Dogs can experience alcohol poisoning from ingesting alcoholic beverages like beer, wine, or liquor. The signs of alcohol poisoning in dogs typically include:
Signs of Alcohol Poisoning
Some of the most common signs of alcohol poisoning that owners may notice in their dog include:
- Vomiting – One of the first signs is usually vomiting. Dogs may vomit repeatedly after ingesting alcohol.
- Lack of coordination – Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, so dogs can experience a lack of coordination, stumbling, swaying, or struggling to stand up or walk.
- Breathing problems – In severe cases, dogs may have slow or irregular breathing. Their breathing may sound congested.
- Seizures – Alcohol poisoning can cause seizures in dogs as it affects neurological functioning.
Other possible signs include excessive thirst, lethargy, diarrhea, abnormal heart rate, low body temperature, tremors, and coma in severe cases. Owners should monitor their dog closely for any concerning symptoms after ingesting alcohol and contact their vet immediately if they notice signs of alcohol toxicity.
Amount of Alcohol that is Toxic
The amount of alcohol that is toxic depends on the size of the dog and the type of alcohol consumed. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, the lethal oral dose of methanol for dogs is 4–8 mL/kg[1]. Isopropanol is twice as toxic as ethanol. The published lethal oral dose of ethanol for dogs is 5.5 to 7.9 g/kg of 100% ethanol according to Today’s Veterinary Practice[2]. One milliliter of ethanol is equal to 0.789 g. Smaller dogs will become intoxicated and show signs of alcohol poisoning with less alcohol than larger dogs.
Types of Alcoholic Drinks
There are several types of alcoholic beverages that can be dangerous for dogs if consumed:
Beer
Beer contains hops, barley, and yeast which can cause problems for dogs. The alcohol content in beer can cause intoxication, drowsiness, coordination issues, breathing problems, and even seizures in dogs (Source).
Wine
Wine, especially red wine, contains ethanol alcohol as well as tannins and acids. These ingredients can cause vomiting, diarrhea, coordination problems, breathing issues, comas, and death in dogs who ingest too much wine (Source).
Liquor
Hard liquor like vodka, rum, tequila, and whiskey contain a very high concentration of ethanol alcohol. Just a small amount can cause alcohol poisoning in dogs leading to seizures, respiratory failure, and even death (Source).
Foods with Alcohol
Foods that contain alcohol like rum-soaked raisins or cake can also be toxic for dogs. The alcohol gets absorbed into their bloodstream quickly which can make symptoms of poisoning happen faster (Source).
Long-term Effects of Alcohol on Dogs
Alcohol exposure is particularly dangerous for dogs, as their bodies are not equipped to effectively metabolize it like humans. The most common long-term effect of repeated alcohol exposure and alcohol poisoning in dogs is liver damage.
According to an article on VCA Hospitals, “Hepatic lipidosis, or fatty liver, is very common in dogs that have been exposed to large amounts of alcohol.” Excess alcohol essentially causes fat to accumulate in liver cells, compromising the liver’s ability to function properly.
Additionally, research suggests that chronic alcohol consumption can lead to brain damage in dogs. Studies have found neurological deficits and structural changes in the brains of dogs repeatedly fed alcohol PetMD. The brain is a very sensitive organ, so dogs experiencing alcohol poisoning are also at risk of long-term cognitive impairments.
When to Seek Help
You should take your dog to the vet or emergency animal hospital immediately if they are showing any signs of alcohol poisoning after ingesting alcoholic drinks. According to the AKC, some signs of alcohol toxicity include vomiting, difficulty walking or standing, extreme lethargy, seizures, and coma (AKC). The earlier you seek treatment, the better the chance of recovery. Dogs can go from mild intoxication to life-threatening alcohol poisoning very quickly after ingesting alcohol.
Don’t wait to see if the signs resolve on their own or assume your dog will “sleep it off.” Alcohol poisoning is a medical emergency requiring swift veterinary intervention. Call your vet or emergency clinic right away if you suspect alcohol poisoning, as even small amounts of alcohol can be toxic to dogs. Describe any symptoms you’re observing and when they started. Follow any first aid instructions from the vet before bringing your dog in. With rapid treatment, many dogs fully recover from alcohol toxicity.
Preventing Access
The best way to prevent dogs from ingesting alcohol is to keep it completely out of their reach. All alcoholic beverages and foods containing alcohol should be stored in locations inaccessible to pets, such as locked cabinets or high shelves. Never leave alcoholic drinks unattended, even for a moment. As the DogTails article advises, “Also, make sure to never leave drinks unattended, even if you’re just getting up to run to the bathroom, and never leave drinks out overnight.”
It’s important to quickly clean up any spilled alcohol to prevent pets from lapping it up. The Animal Emergency Care center recommends, “Quickly cleaning up any spilled alcoholic drinks or products.” Be especially diligent about cleaning up after parties or gatherings where drinks may have been left out.
If you’re cooking with alcohol, be sure to store it securely. According to MasterClass, “Foods containing alcohol, like rum balls or alcoholic extracts like vanilla, are also dangerous for dogs.” Keep cooking ingredients like extracts out of reach and thoroughly clean any dishes or utensils used for cooking with alcohol.
Treatment
If your dog ingests alcohol, immediate veterinary treatment is crucial. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, the first step is to induce vomiting to eliminate any unabsorbed alcohol still in the stomach. This is done by administering 3% hydrogen peroxide orally. IV fluids are also given to restore fluid balance and prevent dehydration. Your vet will monitor your dog’s vitals like heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature closely.
Medications may be used to counteract the effects of alcohol. According to Animal Emergency Care, drugs that can help include:
- Benzodiazepines to prevent seizures
- Dextrose injections to stabilize blood sugar
- Oxygen therapy if respiratory depression occurs
With aggressive treatment, many dogs can recover fully from alcohol poisoning. However, untreated or delayed treatment can be fatal.
Takeaways
Even small amounts of alcohol can be dangerous for dogs. Alcohol, found in drinks like beer, wine, and liquor, is highly toxic to canines. Dogs cannot metabolize alcohol as effectively as humans can, so it takes much less to cause alcohol poisoning in pets. Just a small amount of alcohol can result in vomiting, diarrhea, coordination problems, breathing issues, coma, and even death in dogs.
It is extremely important to keep all alcoholic beverages away from dogs at all times. Do not leave alcohol unattended where a pet may access it. Even alcohol left in cocktails or spilled on the floor can be enticing and harmful if ingested. If you suspect your dog has consumed alcohol, seek veterinary help immediately. Getting prompt treatment greatly improves the chance of recovery from alcohol poisoning.
While alcohol can be fun for human consumption, it has no place around our canine companions. Being diligent and proactive is key to protecting dogs from the dangers of alcohol. With proper care and caution, we can keep our pets safe, healthy, and happy.