✓ Reviewed against PDSA, Blue Cross & Animal PoisonLine guidance · Last reviewed: 2026-04
Can dogs eat alcohol?
The full picture
Alcohol affects dogs much more severely than humans. Their smaller size and different metabolism mean even a splash can cause problems, and moderate amounts can be fatal. This includes the obvious — beer, wine, spirits, cocktails — but also unseen alcohol sources: rum-soaked Christmas cake, fermenting raw bread dough (which continues to produce alcohol in the stomach), leftover pint glasses at parties, rotten fallen fruit, some mouthwashes, and hand sanitisers. Never deliberately give alcohol to a dog 'for a laugh' — this is genuinely dangerous.
If your dog has already eaten alcohol
- Call your vet immediately — tell them exactly what was drunk and approximately how much
- If your vet is closed, call the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 or go to an emergency vet
- Do not wait for symptoms — they can escalate fast
- Keep your dog warm (alcohol can cause hypothermia)
- Do NOT give food or water if your dog seems sedated — aspiration risk
Risks to watch for
- Severely low blood sugar
- Dropped body temperature (hypothermia)
- Respiratory depression
- Vomiting and loss of coordination
- Coma
- Death at higher doses
Hidden sources to check
- Rum-soaked Christmas cake, trifle, tiramisu
- Raw bread or pizza dough — ferments in the stomach producing ethanol
- Fermenting fallen fruit in gardens (apples, plums, pears)
- Some mouthwashes and hand sanitisers
- Alcohol-based cough syrups
- Vanilla extract (some contain significant alcohol)
- Unattended drinks at parties
Safe portion size
None. Zero.
Safer alternatives
While you're checking what your dog can safely eat, make sure their flea and worm protection is up to date too.
Common questions
What happens if a dog eats alcohol?
- Call your vet immediately — tell them exactly what was drunk and approximately how much
- If your vet is closed, call the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 or go to an emergency vet
- Do not wait for symptoms — they can escalate fast
- Keep your dog warm (alcohol can cause hypothermia)
- Do NOT give food or water if your dog seems sedated — aspiration risk
What are the symptoms of alcohol poisoning in dogs?
How much alcohol is toxic to dogs?
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