Can Dogs Drink Beer? Alcohol Poisoning in Dogs

Dogs should not drink beer or alcohol of any kind. Even a small amount of alcohol may put a dog at risk of alcohol poisoning.

Signs of alcohol poisoning can include lethargy, unsteady walking, seizures, stomach upset, and difficulty breathing. If your dog drinks alcohol, contact your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline for guidance.

Can Dogs Drink Beer?

No. Dogs should not be allowed to drink beer or any other alcoholic beverage. Although the percentage of alcohol in beer is lower than in other alcoholic drinks, ingesting even a small amount of alcohol may pose a risk to your dog.

What Does Alcohol Do to Dogs?

When consumed by a dog, the ethanol in alcohol is rapidly absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract and metabolized by the liver. It readily crosses into the brain, disrupting the normal balance between various neurotransmitters.

This disruption decreases neurological functions, including respiration (breathing) and locomotion (any type of movement, including walking).

Symptoms of alcohol poisoning in dogs generally occur within the first 15 minutes to two hours after ingestion.

Do Dogs Like Beer?

It’s unclear whether dogs actually like beer or are simply interested in its smell.

Some believe dogs may be attracted to beer because of its sweet taste or the underlying aromas masked by ethanol, including hops or malt.

Dogs who routinely receive table scraps as treats may also be more interested in beer and other alcoholic beverages because they want what their human family members are enjoying.

What Are the Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning in Dogs?

Symptoms of alcohol poisoning in dogs can include sedation or lethargy, ataxia, seizures, an upset stomach, slow or shallow breathing, coma, and respiratory failure.

Common signs to watch for include:

• Sedation or lethargy
• Ataxia (walking in an unsteady, weak, awkward, uncoordinated, or clumsy manner)
• Seizures (triggered by low blood sugar)
• An upset stomach
• Slower or more shallow breathing, sometimes to the point of becoming comatose
• Respiratory failure that can lead to death

My Dog Drank Beer. Now What?

If your dog drank beer or another alcoholic beverage, call your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline, a 24/7 animal poison control center, at 1-855-764-7661 as soon as possible. Early intervention is key to successfully treating alcohol poisoning in dogs.

Be prepared to provide specific information about your dog, including their weight, breed, and an estimate of the amount of alcohol ingested. This information can help determine your dog’s risk.

Do not induce vomiting at home unless you have been directed to do so by a veterinarian.

Treatment for Alcohol Poisoning in Dogs

Typical treatment for alcohol poisoning may include blood work, monitoring vital signs, temperature regulation, and symptomatic and supportive care.

How To Prevent Alcohol Poisoning in Dogs

To prevent alcohol poisoning in dogs, keep alcoholic products securely out of reach, monitor open containers, prevent guests from sharing alcoholic beverages with your dog, and clean up spills promptly.

Keep Alcohol Secure

Keep alcoholic products away from your dog in a secure space and monitor open containers.

Keep Your Dog Safe During Parties

Discourage guests from sharing beer or other alcoholic beverages with your dog.

Consider keeping your dog in a crate, playpen, or gated area when hosting parties, especially if there are open punch bowls or other large containers holding alcohol.

Avoid Alcohol Spills

Avoid spills as much as possible, as dogs can quickly ingest items spilled onto floors or the ground.

Dog-Safe Beer Products

Breweries and retailers offer dog-safe craft drinks for pet parents who want to give their dogs their own party beverage. You can also serve your dog a dog-safe broth as a food topper.

If you want to skip a dog-friendly drink, your dog can still join the fun with a beer-themed toy or beer-print bandana.