You’d think that dogs would enjoy beer because one of history’s most famous paintings features dogs playing poker. In fact, some do, which is a big problem because alcohol of any kind is very dangerous for dogs.
While beer is undoubtedly bad for dogs, how bad it is will vary depending on a number of factors. We’ll discuss why beer is so hazardous in the article that follows, as well as what to do if your dog has had a little too much to drink.
What Happens When a Dog Drinks Alcohol?
Just like chocolate and onions, alcohol is toxic to dogs. The ingredients in syrups and unbaked bread dough, as well as even trace amounts of alcohol, can be poisonous to them. Dogs can become intoxicated by alcohol due to both ethanol (the intoxicating ingredient in beer, wine, and liquor) and hops (used in the brewing of beer). Signs of intoxication can include:
Alcohol intoxication in dogs can, in extreme cases or if untreated, result in organ system failure and even death.
Ethanol Concentrations In Drinks & Household Products
| SUBSTANCE | PROOF | % ETHANOL BY VOLUME | |
| Light beer | 5–7 | 2.5–3.5 | |
| Beer | 8–12 | 4–6 | |
| Ale | 10–16 | 5–8 | |
| Wine | 20–40 | 10–20 | |
| Mouthwash | 14–27 | ||
| Amaretto | 34–56 | 17–28 | |
| Aftershave | 19–90 | ||
| Schnapps | 40–100 | 20–50 | |
| Coffee liqueurs | 42–53 | 21–26.5 | |
| Brandy | 70–80 | 35–40 | |
| Bourbon | 80–90 | 40–45 | |
| Rum | 80–82 | 40–41 | |
| Cognac | 80–82 | 40–41 | |
| Vodka | 80–82 | 40–41 | |
| Whiskey | 80–90 | 40–45 | |
| Tequila | 80–92 | 40–46 | |
| Gin | 80–94 | 40–47 | |
| Cologne/perfume | 50 | ||
| Hand sanitizers | 60–95 | ||
| *For alcoholic beverages, the proof is double the percentage of alcohol present. | |||
Drinks made with fruit, cocktails, punches, ciders, seltzers, and foods that contain alcohol as a main ingredient may all tend to attract dogs more than others. Another important factor to take into account is the possibility that diet alcoholic beverages or other mixers contain Xylitol, an artificial sweetener that can be fatal to dogs if consumed.
Dogs Like Beer Because Their Human Family Does
Finally, some dogs may be more interested in beer because they want whatever their human family members have. Dogs who frequently beg for your food and drinks are more prone to trying to drink your beer as well. These dogs may need to be crated or kept in another room while you’re having alcoholic beverages, if they may risk sneaking a taste.
FAQ
How much beer is toxic to dogs?
The amount of ethanol required to become intoxicated varies depending on the substance being consumed. The published oral lethal dose in dogs is 5. 5 to 7. 9 g/kg of 100% ethanol. One milliliter of ethanol is equal to 0. 789 g.
Will a little bit of beer hurt my dog?
The short answer is that beer is harmful to dogs, they shouldn’t drink beer, and even a small amount of alcohol of any kind could make your favorite dog sick with alcohol poisoning.
What happens if a dog licks beer?
Just like chocolate and onions, alcohol is toxic to dogs. Ingredients that are poisonous to them can be found in syrups and unbaked bread dough, even in small amounts of alcohol. Dogs can become intoxicated by alcohol due to ethanol, the substance that makes beer, wine, and liquor alcoholic beverages.