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Alcohol

Pet toxin reference — educational information only.
Pet toxins

What to know

Alcohol — toxicity in dogs and cats

EmergencyApplies to: dogs and cats.

Overview

Alcohol is highly toxic to dogs and cats. Pets are far smaller than humans and lack the enzymes to metabolize ethanol efficiently, making even small amounts dangerous. Beer, wine, liquor, and cocktails are obvious sources, but alcohol poisoning in pets also comes from unexpected sources: rum-soaked cake, fermenting fruit, unbaked bread dough, hand sanitizer, vanilla extract, and certain medications. A dog or cat that has consumed alcohol may appear drunk - wobbling, disoriented, and lethargic - but the situation can rapidly progress to respiratory failure, coma, and death. Do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Symptoms

Vomiting, disorientation, difficulty breathing, coma

Typical onset

30-60 minutes

What to do

Seek emergency care. Pets are far more sensitive to alcohol than humans.

This page is educational and does not replace veterinary advice. If your pet may have been exposed, call UVEC at (801) 218-2227 or ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.

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53 results · 26 emergency-level

Alcohol is highly toxic to dogs and cats. Pets are far smaller than humans and lack the enzymes to metabolize ethanol efficiently, making even small amounts dangerous. Beer, wine, liquor, and cocktails are obvious sources, but alcohol poisoning in pets also comes from unexpected sources: rum-soaked cake, fermenting fruit, unbaked bread dough, hand sanitizer, vanilla extract, and certain medications. A dog or cat that has consumed alcohol may appear drunk - wobbling, disoriented, and lethargic - but the situation can rapidly progress to respiratory failure, coma, and death. Do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Symptoms
Vomiting, disorientation, difficulty breathing, coma
Onset
30-60 minutes
What to do now
Seek emergency care. Pets are far more sensitive to alcohol than humans.
Call UVEC now: (801) 218-2227
This tool is informational only and does not replace veterinary advice. If ingestion may have happened, contact UVEC at (801) 218-2227 or ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.