Can Dogs Get Drunk?
Even a small amount can poison a dog. There is no safe or funny way for a dog to get drunk.
Yes, dogs can get drunk, but it is never safe. Even a small amount of alcohol, whether from a drink, raw bread dough or fermenting food, can poison a dog and cause vomiting, loss of coordination, a dangerously low body temperature and, in severe cases, coma. Because dogs are so much smaller than people, amounts that seem tiny can do real harm. Spoiled and fermenting food can also bring on food poisoning on top of any alcohol.
Hidden Sources of Alcohol
Keep these away
- Beer, wine and spirits, including spills and leftovers
- Raw bread or pizza dough, which ferments in the stomach
- Rum-soaked cakes, desserts and liqueur chocolates
- Rotting or fermented fruit
- Some mouthwashes, perfumes and hand sanitizers
Safe instead
- Plenty of fresh, clean water
- Dog-safe treats and chews
- Non-alcoholic, dog-friendly "pupperoni" style snacks
- Frozen broth or a little plain fruit
Rotting or fermenting food can also carry bacteria like salmonella, another cause of vomiting and diarrhea in dogs.
Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning
| Sign | What it looks like |
|---|---|
| Wobbliness | Stumbling and loss of balance |
| Vomiting and drooling | Retching or excessive salivation |
| Low body temperature | Shivering and feeling cold to the touch |
| Slow breathing | Shallow or irregular breaths |
| Collapse | Unresponsive, seizures or coma in severe cases |
What to Do in an Emergency
- Note what your dog had, how much, and when
- Do not induce vomiting unless a professional tells you to
- Keep your dog warm, calm and upright on the way to the clinic
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a little beer hurt my dog?
Yes, it can. Dogs are far smaller and more sensitive to alcohol than people, so even a few laps of beer can cause vomiting, wobbliness and a dangerous drop in body temperature. There is no safe amount of alcohol for a dog, so keep all drinks out of reach.
Why is raw bread dough dangerous for dogs?
Raw dough keeps rising in the warm stomach, and the yeast ferments the sugars into alcohol, which is absorbed straight into the bloodstream. On top of alcohol poisoning, the expanding dough can bloat and twist the stomach. Both are emergencies that need a vet right away.
How quickly does alcohol affect a dog?
Fast. Signs can appear within 15 to 30 minutes of a dog drinking alcohol and may worsen over the following hours. Because small dogs are affected by tiny amounts, never wait to see if it passes on its own.
What should I do if my dog drank alcohol?
Call your vet or a pet poison helpline immediately, even before symptoms show, and tell them what and how much your dog had and when. Do not try to make your dog vomit unless a professional tells you to. Keep your dog warm and calm on the way in.
⚠️ Emergency? If your dog may have swallowed something toxic or is seriously unwell, contact your vet or a pet poison helpline immediately (in the US, the Pet Poison Helpline is 855-764-7661).
Sources: American Kennel Club (akc.org), VCA Animal Hospitals (vcahospitals.com) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (avma.org). This guide is for general information and is not a substitute for advice from your own veterinarian. See our editorial & review policy.
