Yorkshire Terriers And Alcohol: What's Safe?

Yorkshire Terriers are a type of beer brewed by York Brewery, Black Sheep Brewery, and York Brewery Company Limited. While it may be safe for humans to drink these alcoholic beverages, they are toxic for dogs. Even a small amount of beer can cause alcohol poisoning in dogs, especially if the dog is small. If your dog accidentally consumes alcohol, contact your vet, an emergency clinic, or a pet poison helpline.

Yorkshire Terriers and alcohol toxicity

Yorkshire Terriers are small dogs, and as such, even a small amount of alcohol can be dangerous for them. Alcohol poisoning can occur in your Yorkshire Terrier if they eat bread dough containing yeast, as this can release large quantities of alcohol as it ferments in their stomach.

Signs and symptoms of alcohol toxicity in dogs include depression or lethargy, lack of coordination, vomiting or retching, decreased respiratory rate, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), hypotension (low blood pressure), and hypothermia (low body temperature). If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, contact your vet, an emergency clinic, or the Pet Poison Helpline immediately.

It is important to note that dogs should never be given alcoholic beverages to drink. This includes beer, which may also contain other ingredients that are toxic to dogs, such as chocolate, coffee, or spices. Even a little beer can cause alcohol poisoning, especially in small dogs like Yorkshire Terriers. If your dog accidentally consumes any alcohol, be sure to note how much and what type was consumed and contact your veterinarian for advice.

To prevent alcohol toxicity in your Yorkshire Terrier, do not leave alcoholic beverages unattended and keep your dog away from guests who may be consuming alcohol. Education and awareness are key to keeping your dog healthy.

What to do if your dog drinks alcohol

Alcohol is toxic to dogs, and even small amounts can be dangerous. If your dog has consumed alcohol, the first thing you should do is contact your vet for advice. Depending on the alcohol content and the amount consumed, your vet may ask you to bring your dog in for a check-up immediately, or they may suggest waiting to see if your dog has a reaction before bringing them in.

If your dog has consumed more than a small sip of alcohol, or if you don't know how much they drank, it's best to bring them to the vet right away. If the vet's office is closed, take your dog to an emergency veterinarian center. A dog with alcohol poisoning needs immediate treatment. Call the vet or emergency clinic on your way there, so they are prepared when you arrive.

Signs of alcohol toxicity in dogs include:

• High body temperature
• Muscle tremors and seizures
• Depression or lethargy
• Lack of coordination
• Vomiting or retching
• Decreased respiratory rate (breathing more slowly than usual)
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• Hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Hypothermia (low body temperature)
• Coma
• In severe cases, or if left untreated, alcohol intoxication in dogs can cause organ failure and even death

To prevent your dog from consuming alcohol:

• Keep all forms of alcohol stored out of your dog's reach
• Do not leave alcoholic drinks unattended
• Talk to your guests: make sure they know not to give your dog alcohol
• In the case of spills, get your dog away from the area as quickly as possible

Signs and symptoms of alcohol toxicity in dogs

Alcohol toxicity is not very common in dogs as they are not naturally drawn to alcoholic drinks. However, accidents can happen, and the amount of alcohol consumed is the safety concern, not the type. For instance, hard liquor, wine, and craft beer contain higher alcohol levels than lite beer. The health and weight of the dog, in relation to the type and volume of alcohol consumed, are variables to consider. For example, a smaller amount of alcohol would be more dangerous for toy breeds than for larger breeds.

• Depression or lethargy
• Lack of coordination
• Vomiting or retching
• Decreased respiratory rate (slower breathing than usual)
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• Hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Hypothermia (low body temperature)

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your vet, emergency clinic, or Pet Poison Helpline to establish if treatment is needed.

What is dog beer?

Dog beer is a non-alcoholic, non-carbonated beverage formulated for dogs. It is designed to be enjoyed as a treat or supplement, and can be served on its own, over food, or even frozen. The ingredients in dog beers vary depending on the brew, but they are always alcohol-free, and a major ingredient is always water.

Ingredients

Dog beers may be composed of bone broth, vegetables (like carrots, corn, and sweet potatoes), fruit, meat, oats or barley, herbs, and sometimes dog-safe nuts. Some dog beers include glucosamine, which is believed to support healthy joints, while others incorporate human-grade USDA meat and vitamin B from malt barley for shiny coats. Some manufacturers even produce light dog beer for overweight pets.

Serving suggestions

Dog beer can be served in a bowl, straight from the bottle, poured over dry kibble, or used to flavour the water bowl. It can also be frozen and served as a cold, crunchy treat.

Safety

Dog beer should be given in moderation and should not replace a balanced meal. It should be treated like any other dog treat and given within reasonable limits.

Is beer bad for dogs?

Yes, beer is bad for dogs and they should never be allowed to drink it. Beer contains alcohol, and alcohol is toxic to dogs. Even a small amount of beer can cause alcohol poisoning, especially in smaller breeds.

Dogs may be attracted to beer because of its sweet taste or its smell. They may also simply want to consume what their owners are having. To prevent your dog from drinking beer, it's best to put your dog in another room or in its crate when you're drinking beer, and to always keep your beer stored away and not leave it unattended.

If your dog does accidentally consume beer, it's hard to know whether the amount consumed is at dangerous levels. The health and weight of the dog in relation to the type and volume are both variables to consider. For example, for toy breeds, a smaller amount of alcohol would be considered more dangerous than for larger breeds.

If your dog is showing symptoms of alcohol poisoning, it should be seen as soon as possible by a veterinarian. Signs of alcohol poisoning in dogs include:

• Vomiting
• Disorientation and lack of coordination
• Tremors and seizures
• Depression or lethargy
• Decreased respiratory rate (breathing more slowly than usual)
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• Hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Hypothermia (low body temperature)

There are dog-friendly beers available that are alcohol-free and made with ingredients such as water, bone broth, vegetables, fruit, oats or barley, herbs, and sometimes dog-safe nuts. However, these should be given in moderation and not as a replacement for a balanced meal.

Frequently asked questions