You’re unwinding by your poolside, enjoying a glass of wine. You step away for a moment to answer a phone call. But when you get back, you realize that your dog has helped himself to the rest of your wine.
As a caring and responsible pet parent, you will wonder what will happen to the dog. Will he get intoxicated if he drinks an alcoholic beverage, and what’s the worst that could happen if he does?
Are there other side effects associated with wine for dogs? This article will attempt to shed more light on what could go wrong if you let your dog drink wine.
Are dogs attracted to wine?
Dogs are curious animals. Maybe not as inquisitive as their feline counterparts, but interested enough to check out anything in the house that looks attractive or doesn’t belong.
Unfortunately, that curiosity might also lead them to venture into places they shouldn’t be, such as in your wine cellar.
Dogs also tend to imitate their owners a lot. It’s not unusual for your dog to develop an interest in wine merely because he’s observed you enjoying the drink for some time.
The color and shape of your wine glasses might also explain your dog’s love affair with wine. Most wine lovers prefer enjoying their drink in decorative glass bottles, which is excellent, as they add a glamorous touch to any wine-drinking session.
However, enjoying wine from an overly decorated glass could also pique your dog’s interest in the drink.
Dogs are generally attracted to blue and yellow colors. This explains why most dog toys come in these colors. In terms of shape, dogs tend to be attracted to anything resembling bone.
So, if your wine glass happens to be blue or yellow and is slender-shaped, your pup could associate it with a toy or bone. While checking it out, the animal could end up licking the wine inside the glass.
But will a dog love the smell and taste of wine? Most dogs find the taste of wine repulsive.
That’s because dogs aren’t attracted to grapes, the main ingredient in wine. Unless motivated by other factors, your puppy might only swallow a bit before losing interest in the drink.
Even small amounts of alcohol are dangerous.
Wine can be more dangerous for dogs than beer. Both contain alcohol, which is toxic to dogs, but the alcohol concentration in wine is typically higher than that in beer.
Keep wine away from your dog
Preventing your dog from accessing wine is crucial for their safety, as alcohol can be toxic to pets.
One of the most effective steps is to store wine bottles securely in a cabinet or on a high shelf your dog cannot reach. Consider using child-proof locks on cabinets, especially if your dog is clever at getting into things.
Investing in dog-proof containers to seal beverages can deter your pet from accessing any alcohol left out.
Creating a dedicated space for your dog away from dining areas can help redirect their focus and keep them safe during mealtimes or gatherings.
Training your dog with commands like “leave it” or “no” can also be beneficial. Positive reinforcement techniques will help them learn to avoid temptations like wine bottles and glasses.
If you frequently entertain guests, consider using baby gates to restrict your dog’s access to areas where wine is served.
It is essential to be vigilant during social occasions. Keep an eye on your dog to ensure that wine glasses are out of reach and serve beverages in areas your dog cannot access.
Educating your guests about your dog’s habits and the importance of keeping alcoholic drinks off limits can also be helpful, as they can assist in monitoring their placement.
To further distract your pet, provide them with their favorite toys or treats, diverting their attention away from potential risks.
Finally, regularly assess your living space for any new openings or low shelves your dog might reach, staying proactive to prevent accidents.
What happens if your dog drinks wine?
Wine is made from grapes, which are highly toxic to most dogs. Grapes have been known to cause kidney failure in dogs.
So, feeding any grape-based foods to dogs is a terrible idea. Limited studies suggest that wine is just as toxic to dogs as grapes. Keep wine as far away from your puppy as possible.
But even if your dog doesn’t develop kidney toxicity from drinking wine, many things could go wrong.
According to veterinarians, dogs have smaller bodies than humans, making them less effective at processing alcohol.
Therefore, consuming wine could result in alcohol/ethanol toxicity. Alcohol toxicity primarily manifests itself in gastrointestinal issues.
The condition produces symptoms like nausea, vomiting, reduced appetite, diarrhea (which leads to dehydration), and abdominal pain.
Also, the mere fact that a dog’s digestive system isn’t used to alcohol is worth considering.
Exposure to alcoholic drinks like wine might induce a series of allergic reactions, including gastrointestinal distress, respiratory problems like sneezing, and skin irritation.
Can dogs get intoxicated by wine?
Yes, they can. Wine affects a dog’s brain the same way it affects a human’s. And just like humans, the signature signs of wine intoxication in dogs include lethargy and lack of coordination.
Some dogs can be overly vocal and begin barking or growling without apparent cause.
Most importantly, it’s worth noting that dogs don’t know when they’re intoxicated.
However, the spatial disorientation that alcohol causes might make them panic and feel insecure. This could lead to escapist behavior, increased aggression, and self-inflicted injuries.
Can wine kill your dog?
Although death may not occur instantly, the side effects associated with alcohol toxicity could lead to organ failure and your dog’s eventual demise.
And how soon death comes depends on how much wine your pooch drinks.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the official lethal oral dose for alcohol in dogs is between 5.5 and 7.9 grams of 100% alcohol.
However, as you will see, this lethal dose depends on your dog’s age, size, and overall immunity.
Puppies, smaller dog breeds, and sick dogs are more likely to develop severe complications of alcohol toxicity, even with smaller doses.
So, keep the wine away, and don’t let your dog drink any.
Warning signs your dog drank wine
If your dog drinks wine, it’s crucial to be vigilant about signs of alcohol intoxication and the warning signs of alcohol poisoning.
Look out for vomiting, as this may indicate gastrointestinal distress. Disorientation is another concern; if your dog seems confused or has difficulty standing or walking, it may feel the effects of intoxication.
Some dogs might display increased restlessness or hyperactivity. Monitoring their breathing and heart rate is essential, as slowed rates can signal a serious problem.
Excessive drooling can also occur, indicating something is amiss.
Be aware of more severe symptoms, such as tremors or seizures, which require immediate veterinary attention.
Low body temperature can lead to lethargy and weakness, and in critical cases, dogs might become unresponsive or fall into a coma.
Suppose you suspect your dog has consumed wine or is exhibiting any of these symptoms. In that case, you must immediately contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal clinic for guidance and treatment.
What to do if your dog drinks wine
If your dog has ingested wine, it’s essential to take the situation seriously, as alcohol can be toxic to dogs.
First, assess how much wine your dog has consumed and when it occurred. You can report this information to the pet poison helpline or your veterinarian.
Observe your dog for any symptoms of alcohol poisoning, which may include vomiting, disorientation or lethargy, difficulty breathing, hypothermia, seizures, or a slow or irregular heartbeat.
Whether your dog shows symptoms, contacting your veterinarian or an emergency animal clinic is crucial.
They can provide guidance based on the specifics of your situation and may advise you to bring your dog in for an examination or provide specific treatments over the phone.
If your vet recommends it and your dog is not vomiting or showing severe symptoms, ensure it has access to fresh water to keep it hydrated.
However, do not attempt to induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by a veterinary professional.
Final thoughts on dogs and wine
While a relaxed evening with a glass of wine may seem harmless, it’s crucial to remember that pets can be curious and reckless.
Wine, like grapes, is toxic to dogs and poses severe health risks, including alcohol toxicity and potential kidney failure.
To protect their furry friends, responsible dog owners must keep wine and other toxic substances out of reach.
If you suspect your dog has ingested wine, it’s vital to observe for signs of intoxication and seek veterinary attention immediately.
By being vigilant and proactive, you can ensure your dog enjoys a safe, happy, and healthy life free from unnecessary dangers.
Always prioritize your dog’s safety by educating yourself on common household toxins and implementing measures to prevent access.