What happens if a dog drinks alcohol?

When a dog laps at a forgotten glass or scoffs a dropped appetizer, it’s easy to laugh it off. As a veterinarian who has treated alcohol exposures, I can say those moments often matter more than they appear. This guide explains what can happen if a dog drinks alcohol, how to recognize danger quickly, and what to do to protect your pet now and in the future.

Why every dog owner should understand alcohol risks

Dogs encounter alcohol in many ordinary places. I typically see exposures after parties, during backyard gatherings, or in kitchens where drinks are left on low tables. Even a small sip of beer or wine can make a dog unsteady, while spirits or concentrated products can produce serious toxicity.

Household scenarios that commonly lead to exposure include:

• Guests’ unattended drinks on coffee tables or couches that curious dogs sample.
• Spilled cocktails or beer on the floor where a dog will lick at residues.
• Fermented foods or dough left to rise with active yeast that produces ethanol.

Alcohol-containing products such as mouthwash, rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizer, and some novelty items can be more concentrated than drinks and are easy to miss. Baby food or flavored extracts may contain alcohol at levels that are deceptive when measured against a dog’s small size. Breed and body-size differences matter: smaller dogs and toy breeds have far lower tolerance, and some individuals may be more sensitive due to age or underlying illness.

At a glance — what alcohol does to a dog

In short: a tiny amount may cause temporary intoxication; larger or more concentrated doses can lead to severe poisoning and even death. The outcome depends on how much ethanol the dog consumed, the concentration of the product, and the dog’s size and health.

Early inebriation may look much like stumbling and a loss of coordination, while poisoning progresses to dangerous physiological problems. Signs of simple intoxication can include wobbliness, slow responses, and sleepiness. When poisoning occurs, expect more severe signs such as vomiting, difficulty breathing, low heart rate, and seizures.

Effects are dose-dependent: a cup of beer is far more risky for a 5‑kg dog than for a 30‑kg dog, and a mouthful of spirits or hand sanitizer may cause more harm than an equal volume of beer. Onset is often rapid—within 15 to 60 minutes—peak effects usually appear within a few hours, and recovery for mild cases may occur in 12 to 24 hours if no complications develop. Severe cases can require days of veterinary support.

Inside the body: how alcohol affects a dog’s organs and nervous system

Ethanol acts on the central nervous system and metabolic pathways in ways that are likely to be more dangerous for dogs than for humans at equivalent doses. Ethanol depresses brain activity, which can lead to disorientation and impaired coordination early on and progress to significant central nervous system suppression.

Respiratory and cardiovascular depression may follow, with shallow or slow breathing and a drop in heart rate and blood pressure. Dogs may also develop low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), especially puppies, because ethanol interferes with normal glucose production. Metabolic acidosis—an imbalance in the body’s acid–base status—is another risk that is likely linked to higher ethanol levels and can compound breathing and cardiac issues.

Dogs generally clear alcohol more slowly than humans; this slower clearance may mean that toxic effects persist longer. Untreated depression of the brain or breathing can lead to complications like aspiration pneumonia after vomiting, or brain injury after severe oxygen deprivation.

When dogs are most vulnerable: age, size and situations that increase risk

Risk rises in specific contexts. Social gatherings where drinks are set on low surfaces, or crowded homes where cups are moved and forgotten, are leading scenarios. Fermented foods—such as overripe fruit, fermenting dough, or brewing mash—can produce sufficient ethanol to poison a dog if eaten. Non-beverage items frequently involved include mouthwash, rubbing alcohol, colognes, and alcohol-based hand sanitizers; these often contain a higher ethanol percentage than beer or wine.

Certain dogs are more vulnerable: puppies and toy breeds have smaller bodies and less reserve; elderly dogs may have slower metabolism or concurrent organ disease; pets with liver, heart, or metabolic disorders are also at higher risk. Accidental ingestion often leads to rapid onset because ethanol is rapidly absorbed from the stomach and intestines—symptoms can appear within minutes to an hour after exposure.

Watch for these warning signs — medical red flags to never ignore

Early symptoms that suggest alcohol ingestion include vomiting, ataxia (staggering), lethargy, and excessive drooling. These may look like simple intoxication at first but can worsen quickly.

• Medical red flags that require immediate veterinary attention include slowed or irregular breathing, seizures, collapse, pale or bluish gums, and unresponsiveness.
• Hypothermia (low body temperature), prolonged vomiting, or an inability to stand also suggest a progression toward a life-threatening state.

If you see any of those red flags, consider the situation an emergency; delaying care while hoping the dog “sleeps it off” may worsen outcomes.

What to do right now if your dog consumes alcohol

First, assess what the dog consumed, how much, and when. I always ask owners to estimate volume (a sip, a cup, a bottle), type (beer, cocktail, hand sanitizer), and timing because this information changes the recommended response.

Remove access to any more alcohol, and keep your dog warm and safe from falls. If the dog is vomiting, keep the head slightly elevated and clear of bedding to reduce aspiration risk. Call your veterinarian or an animal poison-control line immediately; professional advice can guide whether you should travel to a clinic or take other steps at home.

Avoid inducing vomiting or giving remedies unless a veterinarian or poison-control specialist tells you to do so. In some cases, forcing vomit increases the risk of aspiration or delays needed supportive care. Follow the instructions from the vet or poison-control expert closely, and be prepared to transport the dog if advised.

Smart prevention: keeping alcoholic drinks and products out of your dog’s reach

Prevention is far easier than emergency care. Keep drinks in lidded cups, elevated surfaces, or rooms your dog can’t access. I recommend training consistent “leave it” and reliable recall so curious dogs back away from temptations, and reinforce these behaviors often in low-distraction situations.

Secure cabinets and trash with childproof locks, and dispose of food waste responsibly. Educate guests and family members: ask that they not offer alcoholic beverages to dogs and that they put their drinks out of reach. Be especially vigilant when you’re hosting or when children are present—spilled juice or fruit can ferment and become hazardous.

Practical tools and supplies to have on hand for alcohol exposure

Having a few tools ready reduces risk and smooths an emergency response. Useful items I recommend keeping on hand include:

• Spill-proof or lidded drinkware and elevated drink trays to reduce accidental access.
• Childproof/pet-proof cabinet locks and covered trash cans to prevent scavenging.
• A leash and pet carrier for rapid, safe transport; an emergency card with your veterinarian’s phone, local emergency clinic, and a poison-control number in your wallet or on your fridge.

Post the animal poison-control number where everyone in the household can see it. In the United States, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is reachable at (888) 426-4435 and Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661; local veterinary emergency clinics may have different contact details where you live.

Sources and further reading

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control: Alcohols (Ethanol) in Pets — Treatment and Prevention guidance, ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
• Pet Poison Helpline: Ethanol (Alcohol) Toxicity in Dogs and Cats — Clinical signs and management, Pet Poison Helpline.
• Merck Veterinary Manual: Ethanol and Methanol (Alcohols) — Toxic effects and veterinary treatment recommendations, Merck Veterinary Manual.
• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): Alcohol Toxicity in Small Animals — Client information and emergency care guidance, AVMA.