Can Dogs Drink Alcohol? A Comprehensive Guide

Dogs lack the ability to metabolize alcohol in their kidneys, which means that when they consume alcohol, they quickly exhibit symptoms similar to human intoxication. Besides vomiting, staggering, and difficulty concentrating, they may also experience:

A loss of coordination,

Excessive drooling,

An increased heart rate,

A decrease in body temperature,

A drop in blood sugar levels,

Weakness,

Coma.

When a dog detects ethanol, or alcohol, in its system, it mobilizes all available resources to break it down. Initially, the dog's heart rate will accelerate, followed by a significant drop in overall body temperature. This is then followed by a decrease in blood sugar levels, and eventually, a dramatic reduction in respiratory rate. The dog may ultimately succumb to respiratory failure.

Contrary to humans, 99% of dogs that ingest alcohol die from respiratory failure, whereas most human deaths are due to aspiration of vomit while intoxicated.

Here's the crucial point: the best window for抢救, or saving, a dog after alcohol ingestion is within 20 to 40 minutes. The most effective course of action is to rush the dog to a veterinary hospital; do not attempt to induce vomiting at home. After this period, the alcohol will have been fully absorbed by the dog's body.

It's important to note that survival does not guarantee a clean bill of health. Even if the dog survives, the intense "fight or flight" response within its body to metabolize the alcohol can leave behind可怕的后遗症, such as kidney failure, liver dysfunction, and heart failure.

Strong Alcoholic Beverages:

Whether it's whiskey from abroad, vodka from Russia, or baijiu from China, these spirits are incredibly dangerous for dogs. As previously mentioned, the primary culprit is the alcohol content.

Wine:

Although wine has a lower alcohol content, the grapes used in its production are the real danger for dogs. While grapes are a delightful treat for humans, they are toxic to dogs.

Beer:

Beer, too, has a low alcohol content, but almost all dogs are allergic to hops. Although the exact reason for this allergy is not yet fully understood, it's clear that the combination of alcohol and hops in beer can be a deadly cocktail for dogs.