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Can Dogs Get Drunk? Learn Here!

We all know that dogs love to eat, and many dog owners have given their furry friends bits of their own food from time to time. But can dogs get drunk by having too much alcohol?

Dogs are known for being loyal companions, but did you know that they can also get drunk? Some might find this amusing, but it’s important to be aware of the dangers of alcohol consumption in dogs.

In this post, we’ll take a closer look at what happens when dogs drink alcohol, and what you should do if it happens.

So pour your pup a non-alcoholic beverage and read on!

Can Dogs Get Drunk?

The answer to this question is yes, dogs can get drunk. Dogs are not as sensitive to the effects of alcohol as humans are, but they can still be affected. Smaller dogs and puppies will be affected more quickly than larger dogs.

The type of alcohol that your dog ingests will also play a role in how intoxicated they become. For example, beer generally has a lower alcohol content than hard liquor. 

So, if your dog drinks a beer, they will become less intoxicated than if they drink the same amount of hard liquor.

It’s important to keep in mind that dogs metabolize alcohol differently than humans do. This means that it will take them longer to sober up.

Read More: Get safe dental chews for dogs to keep help them fight canine tooth decay.

How To Know If Your Dog Is Drunk – Symptoms Of A Drunk Dog 

Much like humans, there are several symptoms that you can look for to determine if your dog is drunk. These include:

Vomiting

Dogs that have consumed alcohol may vomit. This is because alcohol can irritate the stomach lining. Similarly, dogs that have had too much to drink may also experience diarrhea.

Nausea

Dogs that have drunk too much alcohol may also experience nausea and refuse to eat. Nausea is caused by the same stomach irritation that can lead to vomiting. Also, like humans, hungover dogs may not have much of an appetite.

Low Coordination

Dogs that are drunk may stagger or stumble. They may also have difficulty standing up or sitting down. This is because alcohol can affect the nervous system and cause coordination problems.

Weakness

Dogs that have consumed alcohol may seem weak or tired. This is because alcohol can cause dehydration and make it difficult for the body to process glucose. In addition, too much alcohol can also suppress the central nervous system, leading to fatigue.

Collapse

In severe cases, dogs may collapse due to alcohol poisoning. This is a medical emergency and you should take your dog to the vet immediately if they collapse. This is because alcohol poisoning can cause organ damage and even death.

Read More: Is your dog showing signs of tracheal collapse? Learn when is it time to put down a dog with collapsing trachea.

How To Treat Your Drunk Dog – What Should You Do

If you think your dog has consumed alcohol, it’s important to bring them to the vet immediately. This is because alcohol poisoning can be deadly.

At the vet, they will likely give your dog IV fluids to help flush the alcohol out of their system. They may also give them oxygen if they are having trouble breathing. 

In severe cases, your dog may need to be hospitalized for a day or two to make sure that they are out of the woods.

In other cases, or if you can’t see a vet, your dog may only need to be monitored for a few hours to make sure that they are okay. Make sure they have plenty of water to drink and keep an eye on them in case they experience any of the symptoms listed above.

How To Prevent Your Dog From Drinking Alcohol

The best way to prevent your dog from drinking alcohol is to keep it out of their reach. This means keeping alcoholic beverages away from them and not leaving them unattended around open containers.

family eating and drinking wine while dog looks at them

You should also be careful when using products that contain alcohol, such as mouthwash or perfume. These can be tempting for dogs to lick, so make sure to use them in a place where your dog can’t get to them.

Be careful of any spillage. For example, if you spill beer on the floor, make sure to clean it up right away so that your dog doesn’t have a chance to lick it up.

Also, be aware of any guests that you have over. If you have someone over who is drinking, make sure that they don’t leave their drink where your dog can reach it, or worse, they try to give your dog some!

Finally, be aware of any signs that your dog is trying to get into alcohol. For example, if they start snooping around for open containers or trying to steal drinks, this is a sign that they are interested in alcohol (and may need professional help) and you should take measures to prevent them from getting to it.

Read More: Learn how to get rid of ear mites in dogs.

Difference In Drunkenness Between Dogs And Humans

Dogs process alcohol differently than humans. Humans metabolize alcohol in the liver, where it is broken down into acetate. Acetate is then sent to the brain, where it inhibits the production of certain neurotransmitters. 

This is what causes the feeling of drunkenness.

Dogs, on the other hand, don’t have the enzyme that breaks down alcohol into acetate. This means that the alcohol goes straight to the brain, where it inhibits neurotransmitter production. 

This is why dogs get drunk more easily than humans- their bodies can’t process alcohol as well.

Additionally, because of this difference in metabolism, dogs are more susceptible to the harmful effects of alcohol. This is why it’s so important to make sure that your dog doesn’t drink alcohol, as it can be very dangerous for them.

Dogs and alcohol don’t mix. If you think your dog has consumed alcohol, it’s important to bring them to the vet immediately.

People Also Ask

Can Dogs Safely Get Drunk?

No, dogs cannot safely get drunk. Alcohol has a very different effect on dogs than it does on humans, and it can be very dangerous for them. No amount of alcohol is good for your dog. If you think your dog has consumed alcohol, it’s important to bring them to the vet immediately.

How Much Alcohol Is Safe For Dogs?

There is no safe amount of alcohol for dogs. Alcohol has a very different effect on dogs than it does on humans, and it can be very dangerous for them. There is no recommended “safe dose” of alcohol for dogs, as even a small amount can be harmful.

Will A Little Bit Of Beer Hurt My Dog?

While just a little beer is unlikely to be fatal for your dog, a small amount of beer can still hurt your dog. Alcohol has a very different effect on dogs than it does on humans, and it can be very dangerous for them. No amount of alcohol is recommended for your dog.

Conclusion

Dogs and alcohol don’t mix. Alcohol has a very different effect on dogs than it does on humans, and it can be very dangerous for them. If you think your dog may have consumed alcohol, it’s important to take them to the vet immediately.

Remember, the best way to prevent your dog from drinking alcohol is to keep alcoholic beverages away from them and not leave them unattended around open containers.

You should also be careful when using products that contain alcohol, such as mouthwash or perfume. These can be tempting for dogs to lick, so make sure to use them in a place where your dog can’t get to them.

Did you have any experience with your dog getting alcohol? What did you do in that case?

Photo of author

Lovelia Horn

I’m a certified crazy dog mom, a physical therapist (for hoomans), writer, animal rescuer, and foster home provider. Together with my hubby Ryan, I’ve fostered and helped look for forever homes for over a hundred shelter dogs in the Southern Illinois area. I mostly work with Puppy Rescue 911, Inc., a certified animal rescue organization based out of Chester, IL (home of Popeye!)

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