Why it is dangerous for dogs
Alcohol depresses a dog's nervous system. The dog starts to stagger, becomes lethargic or confused, and may vomit. Body temperature and blood sugar can drop, and breathing can slow.
Dogs are far more sensitive to alcohol than people, and a small dog even more so. Alcohol is not only in drinks but also in liqueur chocolates, desserts, raw yeast dough and fermenting fruit.
How much alcohol causes harm cannot be judged at home, and the dog's condition can keep getting worse for some time. Contact a vet or an emergency clinic now, even if your dog seems well, and tell them what was drunk and when.
What to watch out for
- Staggering, vomiting, confusion and lethargy.
- Body temperature and blood sugar can drop.
- Slowed breathing, seizures, collapse or loss of consciousness.
- Even a small amount is dangerous, especially for a small dog.
- Alcohol is found in liqueur chocolates, desserts, raw yeast dough and fermenting fruit.
What it can cause
Signs that can appear after eating it. Each page explains what to look out for and when to hurry to a vet.
What to give instead
Foods that are safer to give.
- Watermelon Yes, watermelon is fine for dogs: give small pieces of flesh without seeds or rind, especially as a cooling treat on a hot day. Safe
- Cucumbers Yes, fresh cucumber is fine for dogs: it is mostly water and low in calories, but do not give pickled cucumbers. Safe
- Carrots Yes, carrots are fine for dogs: raw or cooked, unseasoned and cut into pieces, they make a crunchy, low-calorie treat. Safe