Can dogs drink alcohol?
Alcohol is absorbed quickly and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, incoordination, breathing difficulty, tremors, coma and death (ASPCA).
Good to know: Also in liquor-filled candy and raw yeast dough (Pet Poison Helpline).
Did your dog eat some?
Call your vet or an emergency vet clinic right away, even if your dog seems fine. Tell them what your dog ate, how much and when.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 (a fee may apply)
- Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 (a fee may apply)
- Don’t make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to.
Better choices, for example
Questions
My dog drank alcohol. What should I do?
Call your vet or an emergency vet clinic right away, even if your dog seems fine. You can also call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (a fee may apply). Don’t make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.
Can cats drink alcohol?
No – toxic. Alcohol quickly causes lethargy, wobbliness and vomiting in cats, and in severe cases breathing problems, coma and death (Pet Poison Helpline, ASPCA).
Sources
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control – People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets
- Pet Poison Helpline – Alcohol
- U.S. FDA – Keep Your Dogs and Cats Safe From Holiday Hazards
Last checked: October 2026