Do you wish to enjoy a beer with your dog but are unsure whether it is good or bad for its health? It is certainly not a good idea to share your beer with the dog. In this article, we will discuss the reasons why dogs can’t drink beer. We will also talk about how you can tackle the situation when your dog accidentally drinks beer.
Why do dogs like beer?
Surprisingly, it is quite common for dogs to like beer. If they ever get a chance to lick the beer, they instantly like its sweet taste. Even before tasting it, its sweet aroma attracts the dogs. Hence, they wish to take a sip and see how it tastes.
Moreover, if you regularly drink beer at home, your dog will naturally become curious about it. Since pet dogs try to copy their owners, your dog will try to drink the beer just like you whenever it is possible.
Is it OK for dogs to drink beer?
No, it is not OK for dogs to drink beer. It contains ethanol which is a highly intoxicating ingredient for a dog’s health. The digestive system of dogs cannot handle alcohol in any form, which is why it is important to keep dogs away from beer.
You might have fun seeing your dog drinking beer, but it is never safe to put your pet’s life at risk for enjoyment. Once a large quantity of beer enters a dog’s digestive system, it can be difficult for the vet to treat the dog. So, it is never good for the dog to drink beer.
Reasons why dogs can’t drink beer
Dogs have a much more sensitive internal system than humans. They are naturally unable to process and metabolize alcohol in the form of drinks, desserts, or dough. Since beer contains alcohol, it can lead to alcohol intoxication in dogs, especially if it is too small.
The beer digests and starts damaging the body organs, including the stomach, kidney, liver, etc. It can even cause death if the treatment is delayed.
What are alcohol intoxication symptoms?
Sometimes pet owners are unaware of the symptoms that they should be looking out for if their dog consumed beer. So, to help them out, here are some of the alarming symptoms that a dog can show after beer consumption:
- Extreme vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty in breathing
- Low blood pressure
- Low body temperature
- Seizures
- Drooling
- Low sugar level
- Lethargy or sleepiness
As a dog parent, you must understand the signs your dog shows before a bigger mishap. If you keep ignoring these symptoms, it can lead to organ failure and even death. Hence, be responsible and notice your dog’s behavior once he drinks beer.
What happens if a dog licks beer?
The effects of beer licking can vary according to the age of the dog. If the dog is too small or young, beer licking can lead to severe health problems. However, if the dog is big, it might not affect him much.
In any case, you can never be sure about the acceptable quantity for your dog. Hence, you must keep beer out of its reach and clean up the spills quickly.
If the dog drinks beer mistakenly and starts showing alarming symptoms, you should act timely and save your dog from severe health problems or even death.
Will a little bit of beer hurt my dog?
The maximum amount of beer that a dog’s digestive system can handle varies according to its weight, height, and age. Some dogs do not get bothered by one or two sips because they are old enough to digest them. On the other hand, some might react badly and become critically ill.
However, in any case, you should never put a risk on your beloved pet’s life. You should be careful when you have guests over and ensure that none of them let the dog taste the beer. It should be at a higher place in the house so that the dog does not reach it.
What to do if your dog drinks beer
As a dog parent, you should take all the precautionary measures to ensure the safety of your pet. Despite all the efforts, if your dog drinks beer, you should call your vet and get his help. Your vet might ask you to stay at home and notice any behavioral changes in the dog.
However, if the dog is already showing signs of alcohol intoxication, your vet will ask you to rush for the checkup. If your vet is unavailable at the clinic, you must go to another vet hospital and get it checked.
What to do if your dog is drunk
If your dog is drunk, the first thing that you should do is talk to the vet and describe the situation in detail. The vet will let you know whether the situation is under control or not.
You should never try to make the dog vomit, as it can lead to breathing issues. Every step is crucial at this stage, and you should always prepare yourself for such situations. Ideally, you should reach the vet clinic or hospital within one hour of the beer consumption before it gets absorbed in the blood completely.
So, once your dog drinks beer, the next 30 to 60 minutes are crucial, and you should rush to the hospital as soon as possible. If you fail to reach the vet within an hour, then it might be nearly impossible to save your dog’s life.
Even if your dog seems fine and does not show severe intoxication signs, your vet may still want to admit and put it on fluid drips. The drips ensure complete hydration of the dog. Moreover, some blood work might also be needed to see whether the dog is healthy or not.
Final Takeaway
Beer, even a little bit of quantity, is highly dangerous for dogs as it can lead to severe health problems. The pet parent should be careful and vigilant at all times to avoid accidents. However, if the dog still drinks beer, the owner should act quickly and rush him to the vet.
I am a passionate beer connoisseur with a deep appreciation for the art and science of brewing. With years of experience tasting and evaluating various beers, I love to share my opinions and insights with others and I am always eager to engage in lively discussions about my favorite beverage.
