Can dogs eat alcohol?
Never give a dog alcohol. Dogs are far smaller and far more sensitive than people, and the dose that causes dangerous depression is much lower than most owners expect.
Call now
- +1 (888) 426-4435ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center · US · 24/7. A consultation fee applies.
- +1 (855) 764-7661Pet Poison Helpline · US · 24/7. A consultation fee applies.
- 01202 509000Animal PoisonLine · UK · 24/7. Lower cost than a direct vet call.
- 1300 869 738Animal Poisons Centre · AU · 24/7, free for the public.
Do not wait for symptoms and do not try to make your dog sick unless a vet has told you to — some substances cause more damage coming back up. Have your dog's weight, what was eaten, roughly how much, and when, ready before you call.
What to do
Call a vet. Do not induce vomiting in a dog that is already drowsy — it can inhale the vomit. Keep the dog warm on the way in.
Signs to watch for
- stumbling and disorientation
- vomiting
- drooling
- lethargy
- low body temperature
- slow breathing
- collapse
- coma
When: 30–60 minutes, faster on an empty stomach.
What makes it harmful
Ethanol
Ethanol depresses the central nervous system and, at higher doses, breathing and body temperature. It also causes metabolic acidosis and hypoglycaemia, which children and small dogs are especially prone to.
How much matters
Also check for
- raw bread dough
- fermenting fruit
- rum-soaked cake
- mouthwash
- hand sanitiser
How confident is this
established
Well established in the veterinary literature and consistent across sources.
- Merck Veterinary Manual, Toxicology of Food-Associated Hazards
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
Check another food
Informational only, and not a substitute for veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and this page cannot account for your dog's age, size, health conditions or medication. If you are worried, phone a vet — that call is always the right call.