When the holidays roll around, you’re probably eager to dig into tasty food and drinks among good company. The problem is that many holiday drinks are very dangerous for dogs and can make them extremely sick.
Can dogs drink beer? Not even a little bit. Just small amounts of alcohol can be harmful and require an emergency vet visit. If you plan on putting together a festive shindig and want a few tips on safety, read on.
We’ll explore some of the more common risk factors during the holidays, what alcohol toxicity looks like, and how to keep your dog safe.
Understanding Alcohol Toxicity in Dogs
While alcohol makes humans feel relaxed or playful, it has the opposite effect on dogs. Their bodies process alcohol differently from ours because they lack specific enzymes involved in metabolism.
While our bodies will gradually break down the alcohol into relatively safe amounts, their bodies turn the alcohol into poison. This biological process results in symptoms like seizures, lethargy, or extremely low body temperatures. Over time, this poisoning can affect their blood sugar levels or harm their nervous system.
Popular Holiday Drinks to Watch Out For
We all have our favorite drinks during the holidays, but when it comes to pet safety, some drinks aren’t as harmless as they appear on the surface. Keep a sharp eye out for any of these drinks when putting together your family gathering or potluck:
- Beer
- Wine
- Cocktails
- Spirits
- Spiked drinks (like eggnog, cranberry juice, or cider)
Not sure if a drink contains alcohol? It’s better safe than sorry. Keeping beverages out of reach on principle is an easy rule to follow that’ll go a long way toward keeping your dog safe.
What About Non-Alcoholic Beer or Wine?
Can dogs drink beer labeled “non-alcoholic”? Non-alcoholic beverages have been increasing in popularity lately as more people cut back, so you may see them at holiday gatherings. However, this label is a little confusing: Non-alcoholic beverages still have a little alcohol in them!
Non-alcoholic beer, wine, and spirits have 0.5% ABV or less. While that’s less alcohol than you’d see in a ripe banana or cup of yogurt, it could still be too high for your dog. Treat these drinks with the same caution as you would any alcoholic beverage.
You may also see labels that say “alcohol-free” and wonder if that’s the same as non-alcoholic. This label is actually different, referring to the drink never having alcohol to begin with. While these drinks will be safer, you should still be careful not to get them mixed up with anything alcoholic or non-alcoholic. Many holiday drinks look similar at a glance!
Serious Side Effects of Consuming Beer or Alcohol
Alcohol poisoning is a serious emergency, so you need to be vigilant for warning signs. The sooner you act, the sooner you’ll be able to get emergency help for your dog.
Early Symptoms
If your dog suddenly becomes sluggish for no apparent reason, they may have accidentally sipped alcohol. They may also not be able to focus on anything in particular or won’t respond when you call their name.
Developing Symptoms
If your dog starts throwing up or dry heaving, that can be an indication that alcohol poisoning is already underway. However, make sure to rule out other causes, such as eating a lot of dog food too quickly.
Severe Symptoms
If your dog starts shaking, jerking strangely, drooling, or chewing on air, they may be having a seizure. They could also slip into a coma with slowed breathing and a stiff body.
Can dogs drink beer, but shake it off? Absolutely not. You shouldn’t wait for the dog’s symptoms to go away.
It’s better to overreact than underreact when it comes to your pet’s safety, so reach out to an emergency vet at the earliest possible sign.
What to Do if Your Dog Accidentally Drinks Beer or Alcohol
If you think your dog sipped alcohol, it’s understandable to be worried. Keeping a level head and acting quickly will be some of your best strategies for reversing the damage.
Write down these steps somewhere easy to find, such as a whiteboard on the wall or notes on your phone:
- Stay calm and move your dog away from the source of the alcohol poisoning.
- Don’t try to make your pet vomit unless instructed by a vet.
- Contact an emergency vet open and follow their instructions closely.
- Make sure to provide as many details as possible, such as the drink type, how much was consumed, and when the dog drank it.
Be sure to know where your local emergency vet is. For Arizona residents, 1st Pet Vet offers care in Phoenix, Mesa, and Chandler.
Can dogs drink beer and come out the other end safely? With a level head and quick action, you can drastically reduce the risk of a more severe outcome.
Common Holiday Hazards Beyond Beer
Sadly, the holiday hazards don’t end with a glass of merlot or a cup of spiked eggnog. Many holiday dinners and desserts drizzle in alcohol for flavor, while other foods may have ingredients that are bad for dogs.
- Alcohol-soaked desserts like fruit salad or wine cake
- Chocolate food in general
- Xylitol-sweetened mixers
- Table scraps or fatty foods
- Unattended plates or open trash cans
Many foods we can eat without trouble are very toxic to dogs. The foods above can cause everything from alcohol poisoning to pancreatitis, a painful form of inflammation that can cause vomiting. When in doubt, keep any human food and drink well out of your dog’s reach.
7 Prevention Tips for a Safe Holiday
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. With these proactive prevention tips, you can enjoy your holidays worry-free.
- Instruct all family members and friends on safe habits. Make sure they don’t leave plates or drinks unattended and always throw their trash away promptly.
- Keep all drinks and alcohol-infused foods out of reach, such as on a high counter or in the fridge.
- Make sure there is a strict “no feeding the dog” rule for guests. Explain to them what could happen if they sneak “just a little treat” from their plate to the dog.
- Give your dog plenty of safe, festive treats and a tasty meal before your holiday feast so they’re less likely to go sniffing for food.
- Save your vet’s number in multiple easy-to-reach places, such as your phone, Post-It notes on the wall, and on a corkboard. When you’re in a panic, the last thing you need is to have to search around for emergency information.
- Give family members your vet’s emergency contact information so they can react quickly, too.
- Bored dogs tend to chew on things or eat what they shouldn’t, so play with your dog before the festivities.
Celebrate Safely with Your Pets with 1st Pet Vet
The holidays are a time to kick back and relax. When you take a few simple steps and precautions, you’ll be in the best possible spot for creating happy memories.
Dogs should never drink beer or alcohol, even in tiny amounts, and should stay away from your food in general. Planning ahead is easy when you prep contact information, educate your guests, and take a few precautions around the house.
However, accidents can still happen despite your best efforts. 1st Pet Vet offers both the primary and emergency care you need to take care of your dog’s health. We provide veterinary services to pet owners throughout Chandler, Mesa, and Phoenix.
Think your dog needs medical care? Contact us immediately for emergency assistance.