Also see Alcohol (food).
Yes. Alcohol is toxic to dogs and cats, and even a small amount can make them seriously ill because of their size. Cats are especially sensitive. Call your vet straight away.
Pets absorb alcohol quickly, and because they're much smaller than people, a few laps of wine, beer, eggnog or a cocktail can be a dangerous dose. Alcohol can cause dangerous drops in blood sugar, body temperature and blood pressure, especially in small or young animals. Watch for less obvious sources too: rum-soaked Christmas cake and puddings, liqueur chocolates, mouthwash, hand sanitiser, and raw bread dough, which produces alcohol as it rises. Glasses left within reach after a party are a common cause.
Wobbliness, drowsiness, weakness and vomiting, usually within 15 to 90 minutes. Your pet may drink and urinate more. Severe cases can lead to slow breathing, a low body temperature, tremors, seizures, collapse or coma.
Call your vet or a pet poison helpline straight away, and say what your pet drank and roughly how much. Don't make your pet sick at home. Keep it warm and quiet on the way. Treatment usually involves fluids, warming, and monitoring of blood sugar, heart and breathing. With prompt treatment, most pets recover well.
Data sourced from public ASPCA lists. For general guidance only. If you suspect your pet has ingested something harmful, contact your vet or an animal poison control center immediately. · Privacy Policy