Beer For Dogs: Healthy Or Harmful?

Beer is the most consumed alcoholic drink worldwide, but can our four-legged friends join in the fun? The short answer is no. Beer is toxic to dogs and even a small amount can be poisonous. Alcohol is absorbed faster into a dog's bloodstream and spreads quicker than in humans, and it takes very little alcohol for poisoning to develop. However, there is a growing trend of dog-friendly, alcohol-free beers that are safe for dogs to drink in moderation.

Is Beer Healthy for Dogs?

Beer is toxic to dogs

Dogs are highly sensitive to the effects of alcohol, and even a small amount can lead to intoxication. The amount of alcohol and the weight of the dog are factors in how quickly alcohol poisoning can occur. Beer is produced through the fermentation process, which creates ethanol or grain alcohol. It takes very little alcohol for poisoning to develop in dogs, and only a few licks can be enough for small dogs to appear drunk.

If your dog shows signs of intoxication or alcohol poisoning, such as confusion, difficulty walking, lethargy, decreased breathing rate, or low body temperature, seek veterinary help immediately. Do not try to treat alcohol poisoning at home, and always keep alcoholic beverages out of your dog's reach.

While normal beer is not suitable for dogs, there are dog-friendly "beers" made without alcohol, hops, and other unsuitable ingredients. These drinks often contain water, bone broth, herbs, vegetables, fruits, and pet-safe nuts. However, it is important to remember that even these drinks should be given to dogs in moderation.

Dog beer is alcohol-free

The short answer is no. Beer is bad for dogs and even a little alcohol of any kind could cause alcohol poisoning in your favourite canine.

Dogs are highly sensitive to the effects of alcohol. Even a small amount may lead to symptoms of intoxication. Beer is at the top of the list of food or drink that humans enjoy but that can be toxic to dogs. Even a taste out of your glass or a dog lapping up spilled beer off the kitchen floor could be bad for your dog's health.

During the fermentation process to form beer, ethanol, or grain alcohol, is produced. It takes very little alcohol in animals for poisoning to develop. Only a few licks in small dogs are often enough for them to appear drunk.

• Mild staggering and incoordination
• Difficulty breathing
• Confusion
• Difficulty walking and standing
• Becoming more lethargic (sluggish)
• Decreased breathing rate
• Low body temperature
• Abnormalities in the electrolytes, because of dehydration
• Low blood sugar, which may result in body tremors and seizures

How to treat and prevent alcohol poisoning in dogs

If your dog appears drunk after drinking beer or other alcohol, you need to head to the veterinarian right away. Only induce vomiting at home when a dog is poisoned if a veterinarian instructs you to do so. These drunk-looking dogs typically always require a veterinary visit because of the significant signs that can develop, which are often life-threatening. They should never be allowed to 'sleep it off'.

Dog beer: the safer way to share a pint with your pup

Beer and other alcohol should be kept away from dogs and never deliberately offered as a treat. If you're feeling generous, there are safer human foods to give your dog. Dog beers are non-alcoholic and are mostly water and bone broth. They may also be composed of vegetables (like carrots, corn, and sweet potatoes), fruit, oats or barley, herbs, and sometimes dog-safe nuts.

Beer poisoning symptoms in dogs

Beer is toxic to dogs and even a little alcohol can cause alcohol poisoning, especially in smaller dogs. Dogs can appear drunk after consuming beer, with symptoms including confusion, difficulty walking and standing, and lethargy.

If your dog displays any of the following symptoms of alcohol poisoning, take them to the vet immediately:

• Loss of bodily control (ataxia)
• Excitement changing to depression
• Difficulty breathing (dyspnea)
• Loss of consciousness
• Slow heart rate (brachycardia)
• Heart rhythm problems

In addition, dogs can experience:

• Vomiting or retching
• Decreased respiratory rate
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• Hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Hypothermia (low body temperature)

Alcohol poisoning in dogs can be fatal, so it is important to seek veterinary help as soon as possible.

Preventing dogs from drinking beer

Beer is toxic to dogs and can cause alcohol poisoning, so it is important to take steps to prevent your dog from drinking beer. Here are some tips to prevent your dog from consuming beer:

Put your dog in another room or in their crate

If you regularly have a drink to unwind at night or with dinner, consider putting your dog in a separate room or in their crate until you've finished drinking. This will help to ensure your dog doesn't accidentally ingest any beer.

Store your beer or alcohol away from your dog

Keep your beer or alcohol stored safely away from your dog, such as in a refrigerator or on a high shelf that they can't reach. This will help to prevent spills or accidents.

Do not leave alcoholic drinks unattended

Dogs can be sneaky, so it's important to always keep an eye on your drink. Bring your drinks with you when you leave the room and make sure to clean up after yourself.

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 accidentally drinking your beer.

Be vigilant when hosting guests

When you have guests over, it's important to pay extra attention to your dog. If you're planning a party or get-together that will involve alcoholic beverages, consider putting your dog in another room to keep them away from the beer.

Choose dog-safe drinks

Instead of sharing your beer with your dog, offer them a dog-safe drink, such as "dog beer," which is alcohol-free and made with water and bone broth.

By following these simple steps, you can help protect your dog from the harmful effects of alcohol poisoning and ensure their health and well-being.

Dog-safe drinks

It is important to note that regular beer is not safe for dogs to consume. Alcohol is toxic to dogs, and even a small amount can be poisonous. Dogs can experience lethargy, vomiting, poor coordination, and diarrhoea from alcohol consumption. Severe toxicity can result in respiratory depression, hypothermia, seizures, and an increase in acidity in the bloodstream.

However, there is such a thing as dog-friendly beer, which is made without alcohol, hops, and other components not suitable for dogs. These drinks are mostly water and bone broth, and some may contain vegetables, fruits, and pet-friendly nuts like peanuts and almonds. Dog beers are generally safe for human consumption as well.

If you want to give your dog a special drink, it is best to stick to dog-safe options. Here are some dog-safe drinks your pup will love:

• Dog beer
• Water

It is important to keep alcoholic drinks away from dogs and never leave them unattended to avoid accidental consumption.

Frequently asked questions