Can Dogs Drink Beer?

Are you trying to get your dog drunk so that you can laugh at all the tipsy behavior? Or is there some beer-chugging competition and you want someone with a big belly to be in your team? 

Spoiler Alert! – Neither is going to happen. 

But we understand why you may be asking this question. Many a time when the boys are home to watch an exciting game of football or soccer (or whatever they call it these days) and there’s beer everywhere to celebrate. You look at your dog and feel like sharing some of your excitement and beer with them.

But DON’T. Beer, or any alcohol for that matter, is one of the most toxic foods or drinks that humans consume. 

The ethanol or grain alcohol that is produced during fermentation is the reason you feel tipsy after a glass of beer. But what if you consume like 20 bottles of it? The feeling won’t be just tipsy anymore. You might need emergency medical services. ⁽¹⁾

Now your body can take 3-4 bottles of it without needing a medical intervention because you’re big. Your dog, even if it is a large breed like a Great Dane or Doberman, is comparatively much smaller to you and so are their organs. It takes very little alcohol in animals like dogs for poisoning to develop. 

What if My Dog Took a Sip of Beer?

A sip is also a big quantity for dogs when just a lick of spilt beer on the floor can cause some serious trouble for them. While it may take a couple of pints for you to feel tipsy, a dog can appear to be drunk even after a few licks. 

After a sip or two, your dog may appear confused. They may have difficulty walking or even standing and become lethargic (just like you after an extra shot that one drunk friend of yours made you drink by blackmailing you emotionally). 

Other signs of alcohol poisoning in your dog include decreased heart rate, low blood pressure, high body temperature, vomiting, excessive panting, tremors, seizures, etc. Severe cases can even lead to organ failure and death. ⁽³⁾

Is There a Dog-Safe Beer?

Looks like you will indeed have a beer-drinking buddy after all, because there are dog-safe beers available in the market. They are usually made from unsalted beef bone broth which contains essential nutrients for your dog. ⁽²⁾

You can also add fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots and blueberries to make it more delicious and healthy for your dog. Just ensure that the beer does not contain any type of preservatives or added sugars. 

My Dog Licked Beer Off the Floor - What Do I Do?

If you’re unaware of the amount of beer your dog has licked off the floor, it is always better to take your dog to the vet immediately. If you do not see any of the above-mentioned symptoms like difficulty in walking or standing, then your dog may not have licked much. You can wait for 24 hours to look for any signs. 

It is always better to prevent your dog from drinking any kind of alcohol in the first place. Here are some tips to do the same – ⁽³⁾

The best one is - stop drinking alcohol in the first place. 

Can Dogs Drink Alcohol?

Alcohol is not only toxic for dogs when consumed as a drink but even when consumed in the form of syrups, breads or any other food item that has alcohol in it. Ethanol, the intoxicating agent and hops, used to brew beer, are extremely toxic for your dog. Severe cases can even lead to death. ⁽³⁾

More About Spot Pet Insurance

Owning a pet can be tough at times. You need to constantly be aware of what and how much goes into their mouths. Some things you can control and others you may not be able to. Sometimes unwanted foods can cause severe reactions in your dog and even require surgery for treatment. The bills can put a severe dent in your savings at such times. 

Not with pet health insurance though! With pet health insurance, you can save up to 90% of medical costs. With Spot Pet, you can save many more costs. 

Spot accident and illness plans can be used with any licensed vet in Canada or the U.S. Whether you are home, or traveling to the U.S., veterinary services your pet receives for the diagnosis, treatment, or management of covered conditions can be eligible for reimbursement. Spot’s accident and illness plans can help cover a variety of conditions including broken bones, lacerations, aggression, kidney disease, diabetes, and more. With the addition of Wellness Riders for an extra cost, you can also receive reimbursements for wellness exams, certain vaccinations, dental cleanings, and more. 

Learn more about dog insurance or get a free quote!