Are you trying to get your dog drunk so that you can laugh at all the tipsy behavior? Or is there some beer-chugging competition and you want someone with a big belly to be in your team?
Spoiler Alert! – Neither is going to happen.
But we understand why you may be asking this question. Many a time when the boys are home to watch an exciting game of football or soccer (or whatever they call it these days) and there’s beer everywhere to celebrate. You look at your dog and feel like sharing some of your excitement and beer with them.
But DON’T. Beer, or any alcohol for that matter, is one of the most toxic foods or drinks that humans consume.
The ethanol or grain alcohol that is produced during fermentation is the reason you feel tipsy after a glass of beer. But what if you consume like 20 bottles of it? The feeling won’t be just tipsy anymore. You might need emergency medical services. (1)
Now your body can take 3-4 bottles of it without needing a medical intervention because you’re big. Your dog, even if it is a large breed like a Great Dane or Doberman, is comparatively much smaller to you and so are their organs. It takes very little alcohol in animals like dogs for poisoning to develop.
What if My Dog Took a Sip of Beer?
A sip is also a big quantity for dogs when just a lick of spilt beer on the floor can cause some serious trouble for them. While it may take a couple of pints for you to feel tipsy, a dog can appear to be drunk even after a few licks.
After a sip or two, your dog may appear confused. They may have difficulty walking or even standing and become lethargic (just like you after an extra shot that one drunk friend of yours made you drink by blackmailing you emotionally).
Other signs of alcohol poisoning in your dog include decreased heart rate, low blood pressure, high body temperature, vomiting, excessive panting, tremors, seizures, etc. Severe cases can even lead to organ failure and death. (3)
Is There a Dog-Safe Beer?
Looks like you will indeed have a beer-drinking buddy after all, because there are dog-safe beers available in the market. They are usually made from unsalted beef bone broth which contains essential nutrients for your dog. (2)
You can also add fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots and blueberries to make it more delicious and healthy for your dog. Just ensure that the beer does not contain any type of preservatives or added sugars.
My Dog Licked Beer Off the Floor - What Do I Do?
If you’re unaware of the amount of beer your dog has licked off the floor, it is always better to take your dog to the vet immediately. If you do not see any of the above-mentioned symptoms like difficulty in walking or standing, then your dog may not have licked much. You can wait for 24 hours to look for any signs.
It is always better to prevent your dog from drinking any kind of alcohol in the first place. Here are some tips to do the same – (3)
Keep all bottles away from their reach
If you’ve filled a glass for yourself, don’t leave it unattended with your dog in the room.
Inform your guests that it is not okay to give even a tiny sip of alcohol to your dog even as a joke.
In case of a spill, take your dog away from the sight first and then worry about the spoiled carpet.
The best one is - stop drinking alcohol in the first place.
Can Dogs Drink Alcohol?
No, alcohol is extremely toxic to dogs.Alcohol is not only toxic for dogs when consumed as a drink but even when consumed in the form of syrups, breads or any other food item that has alcohol in it. Ethanol, the intoxicating agent and hops, used to brew beer, are extremely toxic for your dog. Severe cases can even lead to death. (3)
More About Spot Pet Insurance
Owning a pet can be tough at times. You need to constantly be aware of what and how much goes into their mouths. Some things you can control and others you may not be able to. Sometimes unwanted foods can cause severe reactions in your dog and even require surgery for treatment. The bills can put a severe dent in your savings at such times.
Not with pet health insurance though! With pet health insurance, you can save up to 90% of medical costs. With Spot Pet, you can save many more costs.
Dog Insurance can help provide financial assistance for eligible veterinary care in case of unexpected accidents, illnesses, or injuries. Our plans can help pet parents manage the eligible costs of covered veterinary care and help ensure that their pets can receive the best treatment possible. Here are some ways that Spot pet insurance plans can help:
Covers Unexpected Veterinary Costs: Spot pet insurance plans cover the eligible costs of unexpected veterinary treatments, such as emergency surgeries, X-rays, and prescription medications for covered conditions.
Customizable Plans: Choose your annual limit, reimbursement rate, and deductible from a range of options, and create the plan that will fit the needs of your pet and your budget.
Peace of Mind: With Spot pet insurance plans, pet parents can know that they can provide the best care for their pet with less worry about the cost.
To learn more about Spot Plans or to get a free quote, click here.
1. Howard, B. (2021, February 4). What happens if a dog drinks beer? Daily Paws. https://www.dailypaws.com/dogs-puppies/dog-nutrition/what-can-dogs-eat/can-dogs-drink-beer
2. Hill’s Pet Nutrition. (2022, August 30). What happens when a dog drinks alcohol? https://www.hillspet.com/dog-care/healthcare/what-happens-when-dog-drinks-alcohol?lightboxfired=true#
