food
Alcohol
IMMEDIATE VET ATTENTION
Alcohol is dangerous to dogs. Even small amounts can cause low blood sugar, coma and death.
If your dog has eaten this item, contact your vet or an emergency veterinary service now.
If your dog is showing symptoms such as difficulty breathing, seizures, collapse, severe vomiting, unconsciousness or other serious symptoms, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
What to do
Contact your vet immediately. Do not wait for symptoms.
When to contact a vet: Emergency vet attention immediately.
Symptoms to look for
- vomiting
- wobbliness
- disorientation
- lethargy
- low body temperature
- seizures
- slow breathing
- coma
Why
Dogs are smaller than humans and more sensitive to ethanol. Beer, wine, spirits, and even foods containing alcohol or unbaked yeast dough can cause intoxication. Mouthwash and hand sanitiser may also contain alcohol. Dogs can become hypoglycaemic, have breathing problems and fall into a coma.
- Substances of concern
- ethanol, isopropyl alcohol
- Safer parts
- {}
- Parts to avoid
- {beer,wine,spirits,"alcoholic foods",mouthwash,"hand sanitiser","raw dough"}
- Preparation
- No safe amount.
- How much matters
- A small amount of strong alcohol can be dangerous for a small dog.
- Severity
- Severe
Sources
- ASPCA Animal Poison ControlPrimary authoritative — Chemical exposure
- Pet Poison HelplinePrimary authoritative — Chemical exposure
Information reviewed against recognised veterinary and animal-safety sources. Source organisations are independent of Is It For Dogs unless otherwise stated.
Last reviewed 6 September 2026 · next review due September 2027.
Safety classifications are based on available expert and veterinary information. Individual dogs may react differently, particularly dogs with allergies, existing health conditions or specific dietary requirements.
Important: Is It For Dogs provides general information about the safety of foods, plants, drinks, ingredients and other items around dogs. Our information is based on sources we consider reliable and is intended to help dog owners make informed decisions. It is not a substitute for advice from a qualified veterinary professional. Read more
Dogs can react differently depending on their size, age, health, allergies, medications, the amount consumed and other circumstances. An item classified as Safe is not necessarily suitable for every individual dog.
If your dog has eaten something potentially poisonous or dangerous, has eaten an unknown substance, or is showing concerning symptoms, contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary service immediately.
Do not induce vomiting or give your dog medication unless specifically instructed to do so by a veterinary professional.