Beatrix Montes
Dogs should never be given beer or any other alcoholic drink. Alcohol is toxic to dogs and even a small amount can lead to alcohol poisoning. If a dog consumes alcohol, they may experience vomiting, disorientation, lack of coordination, lethargy, diarrhoea, respiratory depression, hypothermia, seizures, and metabolic acidosis. In rare cases, alcohol poisoning can lead to coma and death. If you suspect your dog has consumed alcohol, contact your vet immediately.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Should dogs drink beer? | No, beer is bad for dogs |
| Why do dogs like beer? | Sweet taste, smell of beer, or because their owners are drinking it |
| What happens if a dog drinks beer? | Alcohol poisoning, which can be fatal |
| What are the symptoms of alcohol poisoning in dogs? | Vomiting, disorientation, lack of coordination, tremors, seizures, lethargy, decreased breathing rate, low body temperature, abnormalities in electrolytes, low blood sugar, respiratory depression, hypothermia, metabolic acidosis |
| How to prevent dogs from drinking beer | Put your dog in another room, store beer away from dogs, don't leave drinks unattended, use a glass with a lid, pay attention to your dog when you have guests |
| Dog beer | Alcohol-free alternative with water, bone broth, herbs, vegetables, fruits, and pet-friendly nuts |
What You'll Learn
Why dogs like beer
While it is important to note that dogs should never be allowed to drink beer, there are several reasons why they might be attracted to it. Firstly, dogs may be drawn to the sweet taste of beer. Like humans, dogs are interested in consuming sweet things, and the sweetness of alcohol can be enticing to them.
Secondly, dogs have a strong sense of smell, and they may be attracted to the subtle aromas in beer beyond the smell of alcohol. They may want to taste the source of those smells, leading them to take a sip.
Additionally, dogs are social creatures and may want to consume beer simply because their human family members are doing so. Dogs that frequently beg for human food and drinks are more likely to try to drink beer as well.
It is worth noting that while there are dog "beers" made specifically for dogs, these are alcohol-free and typically made with ingredients like water, bone broth, vegetables, and pet-safe nuts. These drinks are a safer alternative to human beer, which can be toxic to dogs even in small amounts.
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Beer is toxic to dogs
Dogs are highly sensitive to the effects of alcohol, and even a small amount may lead to symptoms of intoxication. Alcohol is absorbed faster and spreads quicker through a dog's bloodstream. This is because a dog's body is not designed to metabolise alcohol like a human body. The amount of alcohol and the weight of the dog determine how fast they get alcohol poisoning. For toy breeds, a smaller amount of alcohol would be considered more dangerous than for larger breeds.
If a dog appears drunk, it has likely been poisoned. Signs of alcohol poisoning in dogs include vomiting, disorientation and
If your dog has consumed alcohol, contact your vet straight away. If it has been less than 15 minutes since ingestion, a vet may be able to induce vomiting to help remove the alcohol from the dog's digestive system.
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Signs of alcohol poisoning in dogs
Dogs should never drink beer or any other alcoholic beverage. Even a little alcohol can cause alcohol poisoning, especially in smaller dogs.
- Excessive salivation
- Frequent urination, which may include increased thirst
- Lack of coordination
- Loss of bodily control (ataxia)
- Excitement which changes to depression
- Difficulty breathing (dyspnea)
- Loss of consciousness
- Slow heart rate (bradycardia)
- Heart rhythm problems
- Vomiting or retching
- Disorientation and confusion
- Tremors and seizures
- Low body temperature (hypothermia)
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Coma
If you suspect your dog is suffering from alcohol poisoning, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison helpline immediately. Do not try to induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by a veterinarian.
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How to prevent dogs from drinking beer
Beer is toxic to dogs and can cause alcohol poisoning, so it's important to take steps to prevent your dog from drinking it. Here are some tips to keep your dog safe:
Put your dog in another room or their crate
If you're drinking beer, put your dog in a separate room or their crate until you've finished. This will help to ensure they don't accidentally ingest any alcohol.
Store your beer carefully
Keep alcoholic drinks stored away from your dog, in a refrigerator or on a high shelf that they can't reach. This will help to prevent spills or your dog getting into the bottles or cans.
Don't leave drinks unattended
Dogs can be quick and opportunistic, so never leave your beer unattended. Bring your drink with you if you leave the room, and make sure to clean up any spills or empty glasses.
Use a lidded glass
Consider drinking your beer from a glass with a lid. This may sound silly, but it can be an effective way to prevent your dog from accessing your drink.
Be vigilant when hosting guests
When you have guests over, pay extra attention to your dog and their surroundings. If you're serving alcohol, consider keeping your dog in another room or their crate to prevent them from accidentally ingesting beer or other alcoholic drinks.
Choose dog-safe alternatives
If you want to share a drink with your dog, opt for dog-safe alternatives like dog beer or plain water. Dog beers are alcohol-free and typically made with water, bone broth, herbs, vegetables, fruits, and pet-friendly nuts. They can be a fun way to include your dog in happy hour, but always supervise their consumption and don't let them overindulge.
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Dog-friendly beers
While regular beer is toxic to dogs and should be avoided, there are now several companies that make dog-friendly beers. These beers are alcohol-free and usually take the form of savoury broths, meal additives, or "liquid treats".
- Bowser Beer for Dogs Variety Pack includes a bottle of each flavour – chicken, pork, and beef – plus lots of malty goodness without the alcohol or hops. It's available on Amazon.
- Pet Winery BarkBrew All-Natural Beef Ale is an 8-ounce bottle of non-alcoholic beer. It can even be frozen into pet beer-sicles for a hot day. It's available on Amazon and Chewy.
- Beer Paws Party Packs are bottles of all-natural beer with a delicious beef flavour and vegetarian glucosamine to promote joint health. They also contain a koozie and peanut butter Beer Biscuits snacks. Available on Beer Paws.
- Good Boy Dog Beer, Sampler Pack is an all-natural brew that comes in four flavours: IPA Lot in the Yard (pork flavour), Mailman Malt Licker (chicken flavour), Session Squirrel (veggie flavour), and Crotch Sniffin' Ale (peanut flavour). It's available on Good Boy Dog Beer.
- Bottom Sniffer Dog Beer is a refreshing original that comes in duo, trio, or 12-packs. It's made with 100% natural herbs to support health and wellbeing and was developed with veterinary and nutritional experts. Available on Woof and Brew.
It's important to note that while these dog beers are safe for dogs to consume in moderation, they should not replace a balanced meal. They should be given within reasonable limits, just like any other dog treat.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, beer is highly toxic to dogs. Even a few licks or a small amount can be enough to cause alcohol poisoning.
Signs of alcohol poisoning in dogs include vomiting, disorientation, lack of coordination, lethargy, decreased breathing rate, low blood sugar, tremors, and seizures.
If your dog drinks beer, you should contact your vet immediately. Do not try to treat alcohol poisoning at home. If it's been less than 15 minutes since ingestion, a vet may be able to induce vomiting to remove the alcohol from your dog's digestive system.
If you want to give your dog a special drink, there are dog-safe alternatives such as dog beer, which is mostly water and bone broth. Plain water is also a good option.
