For many of us, the holiday season is the perfect time to pop the champagne or shake up a crowd-pleasing cocktail. Unfortunately, this is also the time of year when accidental alcohol poisoning causes emergency vet visits to spike.
Unlike cats, dogs are drawn to sweet flavors. This means that, while they aren’t likely to be attracted to pure ethanol, unattended beer, wine, or cordials may present an irresistible temptation. Here’s what you need to know about alcohol toxicity in dogs, what to do if your dog drinks alcohol, and how to keep gatherings safe for pets.
Alcohol has a much stronger effect on dogs than it does on humans — and not just because of differences in body size. Dogs’ livers aren’t able to efficiently process ethanol, so even small amounts can be toxic to pets.
As little as 0.2 mL of pure ethanol per kilogram of body weight can cause distress. For a 10 pound dog, symptoms will appear after ingesting as little as:
The effects of alcohol poisoning can range from mild to deadly, and it’s often difficult to know for certain how much your pet drank. Seek help immediately if you notice:
If you suspect that your pet has lapped up spilled alcohol or helped themselves to an abandoned drink, try to estimate the amount consumed and ascertain the ABV (percentage of alcohol by volume) of that beverage, if possible. This information can be critical for determining the best course of action.
Contact your vet or a 24 hour hotline like ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center and provide details about your dog’s weight, age, and the type of alcohol consumed. Unless you are directed to do so by a veterinarian, don’t induce vomiting. Trying to make your dog throw up can do more harm than good, especially if they have ingested a large amount of alcohol or are already showing symptoms.
If you are advised to bring your pet in for treatment, your vet will take steps to stabilize your dog and flush the alcohol from their system. Mild toxicity may be resolved with time and IV fluids, while more severe cases may require care for seizures or respiratory issues.
Keep pets safe during holiday gatherings by ensuring that drinks stay safely out of reach. If you know that your coffee table is the perfect height for your dog to gain access, you may want to consider providing guests with drink covers or lidded containers to use throughout the night.
While it may seem obvious to your fellow dog parents, there’s no harm in politely reminding friends and family not to share their food or drinks with pets.
Finally, look for ways to help your pet form positive associations with social events. A home full of people can feel overwhelming to your dog if they are constantly being scolded for their curiosity. Set aside special toys and treats for gatherings so that your dog spends the evening occupied and happy.
At Falls Village Veterinary Hospital, a Raleigh, NC veterinarian, dogs, cats & their families deserve the best. In fact, we specialize in delivering warm, compassionate care that reminds our clients and patients how unique and important they truly are. We provide complete veterinary care including dentistry, laser therapy, surgery, and more. Call us today!
