Is Alcohol Toxic to Cats and Dogs?
Alcohol is severely toxic to cats and dogs — even small amounts cause dangerous drops in blood sugar and body temperature. Call a vet immediately.
Potentially life-threatening — treat any exposure as an emergency.
Potentially life-threatening — treat any exposure as an emergency.
In an emergency, do not wait.
Medical disclaimer: This tool is for general information only and isnot a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. Toxicity depends on the amount, your pet’s size, and health history. If your pet may have ingested something harmful, contact your veterinarian or a poison control hotline ((888) 426-4435 / (855) 764-7661) immediately — do not wait for symptoms to appear.
What is Alcohol?
Alcohol is severely toxic to cats and dogs — even small amounts cause dangerous drops in blood sugar and body temperature. Call a vet immediately.
Also known as: ethanol, beer, wine, liquor, rum, vodka, yeast dough.
Symptoms to Watch For
🐕 In Dogs
- Depression, staggering, and disorientation
- Vomiting and drooling
- Dangerously low blood sugar and body temperature
- In serious cases: breathing difficulty, coma
🐈 In Cats
- Disorientation and staggering
- Vomiting and drooling
- Low blood sugar and low body temperature
- In serious cases: coma
What to Do If Ingested
- Note the type and amount of alcohol.
- Call a veterinarian or poison hotline immediately.
- Keep the pet warm and quiet.
Steps apply to both cats and dogs. When in doubt, call a vet or poison hotline before acting.
When to Call the Vet Immediately
Call your veterinarian or a poison control hotline right away if you notice any of these:
- Any alcohol was ingested
- Staggering, disorientation, or slow breathing
- Vomiting or weakness
- Unresponsiveness
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can pets drink a little alcohol?
No. Pets are far more sensitive to ethanol than humans, and even small amounts can cause dangerous low blood sugar, low body temperature, and depression of the nervous system. Any ingestion warrants a call to a vet.
Is raw bread dough the same risk as alcohol?
Similar. Raw yeast dough ferments in the stomach and produces alcohol, which is then absorbed. It also expands, risking a bloated stomach. Raw dough is an emergency — call a vet right away.
What are the signs of alcohol poisoning in pets?
Staggering, disorientation, drooling, vomiting, and weakness, with a drop in body temperature and blood sugar. Severe cases progress to slow breathing and coma. Symptoms can appear within an hour.
Sources
This entry is reviewed against the following authoritative veterinary sources.
Last reviewed: 2026-07-11