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What is Alcohol Poisoning?
Alcohol is absorbed into our pet’s bodies in as little as 30 minutes. The gastrointestinal tract rapidly absorbs this toxic substance, as does the skin. Products like rubbing alcohol, antifreeze, and even fermenting bread dough can cause poisoning in dogs. Most cases of alcohol poisoning in canines results from the ingestion of alcoholic drinks left unattended or spilled, though our pets are curious by nature and can easily become poisoned by ingesting other types such as antifreeze (which is quite palatable to dogs). Documentation has recorded many cases of toxicity resulting from dermal exposure as well, due to overuse of alcohol based flea sprays and alcohol containing detergents. As with any other household hazard, products containing alcohol must be kept out of reach of children and animals; incidences of severe poisoning can result in symptoms as dangerous as seizures and breathing difficulties which require a hospital stay and supportive measures in order to eliminate the toxin.
Alcohol poisoning occurs when a dog ingests substances containing ethanol (like alcoholic drinks and liquid medications), isopropanol (such as flea sprays that are alcohol based), and methanol (as in windshield washer antifreeze). Toxicity occurs rapidly as the alcohol is quickly absorbed into the dog’s system.
Alcohol Poisoning Average Cost
From 42 quotes ranging from $250 - $4,000
Average Cost
$1,800
Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning in Dogs
Dogs who have consumed toxic amounts of alcohol will begin to show the effects within 30 to 60 minutes. Symptoms can range from a mild intoxication to severe inebriation that can be life threatening. If you suspect that your dog has ingested a product like rubbing alcohol, uncooked bread dough, or cough medicine, or if is reacting to a shampoo, a visit to the clinic is needed. Your dog may show the following signs of poisoning.
- Vomiting
- Disorientation
- Inebriation
- Loss of bodily control (ataxia)
- Diarrhea
- Hypersalivation
- Excitement which changes to depression
- Difficulty breathing (dyspnea)
- Loss of consciousness
- Dehydration
- Slow heart rate (brachycardia)
- Seizures
- Heart rhythm problems
Death can occur due to:
- Respiratory distress
- Low body temperature
- Low blood sugar
- Metabolic acidosis (too much acid in the body)
There is also risk of aspiration pneumonia if your dog inhales his vomitus. Eye irritation can occur if liquid containing alcohol splashes into the eyes.
Types
Isopropanol (twice as toxic as ethanol)
- Alcohol based flea spray
- Some rubbing alcohols
Methanol
- Windshield washer antifreeze
Ethanol
- Alcoholic drinks
- Some rubbing alcohols
- Medications like cough syrup or decongestants
- Fermenting bread dough
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Causes of Alcohol Poisoning in Dogs
- Alcohol is absorbed very quickly by the canine body, whether it be dermal or by ingestion
- Alcohol is metabolized by the liver, ethanol to acetaldehyde, methanol to formaldehyde, and isopropanol to acetone
- The central nervous system experiences depression due to the alcohol
- Hypothermia and hypoglycemia are secondary to the toxicosis
- Alcohol is an irritant of the gastric mucosa which triggers vomiting
- Excessive vomiting leads to dehydration
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Diagnosis of Alcohol Poisoning in Dogs
If you are aware or suspect that your pet has consumed or has been over exposed to a form of alcohol, immediate veterinary care is essential. Your dog may show signs as early as a few minutes after ingestion but do not wait for symptoms to appear before heading to the clinic. Bring the packaging with you (the bottle of cough medicine, the flea spray, or the rubbing alcohol container for example) as it helps the veterinary team to know exactly what type of alcohol poisoning they are dealing with.
Your veterinarian will take the vital signs of your pet which can indicate heart rate abnormalities or respiratory challenges. A blood test can indicate blood alcohol levels, which are extremely important to know as the team moves forward with the treatment plan. Your canine companion’s symptoms will indicate the level of intoxication, too and you may even smell the scent of alcohol on your dog’s breath.
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Treatment of Alcohol Poisoning in Dogs
The veterinarian will make stabilizing your dog the first priority. If the alcohol was consumed under 40 minutes prior, the veterinary team may induce vomiting (especially if your furry family member is asymptomatic). In addition, the readjustment of body temperature and adequate ventilation are needed to bring your dog back to normal. Most dogs who succumb to alcohol poisoning do so because of dangerously low body temperature, respiratory distress, and low blood sugar.
Intravenous fluids consisting of electrolytes will work to get your dog’s kidneys and urine outflow back to normal (as well as to aid in the elimination of the alcohol). Your dog may have been dehydrated which adds to the nausea created by the alcohol. Seizure medication and tracheal intubation may be needed if the symptoms are severe.If your pet has had a dermal exposure, his skin and coat will be gently shampooed.
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Recovery of Alcohol Poisoning in Dogs
Alcohol poisoning is known to affect the brain of an animal first, then the respiratory system, followed by the cardiovascular system. Recovery of these areas, as well as other bodily functions and normalcies, can take time. With a mild to moderate exposure, symptoms can be lessened within 4 hours. With a more serious case, a canine may have to be hospitalized for a minimum of 24 hours. Once home, your pet will benefit from a warm, quiet place to rest. Be vigilant in the future when storing products containing alcohol out of the reach of children and pets.
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Alcohol Poisoning Average Cost
From 42 quotes ranging from $250 - $4,000
Average Cost
$1,800
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Alcohol Poisoning Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Need pet health advice? Ask a vet
Ask a Vet
Yorkshire stafford terrior
Fourteen Weeks
Unknown severity
0 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
Excitement To Lethargy, Wobbly, Depression To Hyper Activity, Shallow Breathing, Irratic Heartbeat. Fear, Poor Motor Skills. Dialated Eyes, Confusion, Agression
My 14 week old puppy started acting lethargic and trouble with motor skills wobbling and shaking back and forth I left home or maybe an hour or so could not find anything laying around that she could have gotten into we do drink fruity beers possibly that could contain xylitol could not find anything she could have gotten into right off hand and just wondering what kind of chemicals or avoidance or a drink she could have gotten into and how much would have needed to be ingested to cause all these symptoms he would be running and playing and then the opposite no vomit or diarrhea
Sept. 25, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails. I hope that your pet is feeling better. If they are having problems, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get any testing or treatment taken care of that might be needed.
Oct. 21, 2020
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Pitshiu
Four Months
Unknown severity
1 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
Lethargy, Loss Of Appetite
My dog got into the bottom of my margarita glass and lapped up about 1 tbsp of margarita with ice. What can I do to make her feel better?
Aug. 22, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. It is concerning that your puppy is showing these signs, as young dogs are prone to parasites and infectious diseases, and this may or may not be related to the margarita. If she is not vomiting or having diarrhea, you may be able to feed her a bland diet of boiled white chicken and boiled white rice, and see if that helps over the next 24 hours. If she starts vomiting, having diarrhea, or continues to be lethargic, then having her seen by your veterinarian would be best. I hope that she feels better soon.
Aug. 22, 2020
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Maltipoo
Three Months
Unknown severity
1 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
Vomiting
My pup has licked the beer bottle and later on started getting constipated and had blood with his stool. He started shivering and later threw up twice. Not sure if he got alcohol poisoning or not
July 25, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. It is unlikely that the small amount of beer caused any toxicity, but puppies are very prone to infectious diseases. If he is vomiting and having bloody diarrhea, he needs to be seen by a veterinarian right away. They will be able to figure out what is going on and get treatment for him. I hope that he is okay.
July 25, 2020
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Boston Terrier
Eleven Years
Unknown severity
1 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
Noisy Breathing
Spilled vanilla extract on the floor wiped it up but he then licked the floor.
July 22, 2020
Owner
Dr. Sara O. DVM
1 Recommendations
Hello, Your dog will mostly be just fine. If he had eaten a large amount you may see some GI issues. If your dog does start to show any symptoms, it would be best to see a vet. I would think that your dog will be perfectly fine.
July 22, 2020
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Harley
Pomeranian
9 Years
Fair severity
3 found helpful
Fair severity
Has Symptoms
None
my brothers friend gave my dog a sip of vodka lemonade last night and im not sure if i should be worried he seems to be fine and acting he's acting like his normal self. no signs of throwing up
Aug. 18, 2018
Harley's Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
3 Recommendations
That small amount of alcohol or lemonade should not be toxic or harmful to Harley, especially if it has been some time since he drank it. It would be a good idea to avoid this in the future, however.
Aug. 18, 2018
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Arrow
German Shepherd
5 Months
Moderate severity
0 found helpful
Moderate severity
Has Symptoms
Drunk
Can’T Walk Straight
Arrow got into some alcohol earlier this evening around 9:15-9:30. Noticed he was showing symptoms of being drunk ie not walking straight walking then immediately laying down. Gave me 1/4 cup of peroxide to help induce him to throw up whatever else was left in his system. Threw up about 3-4 times. Ate dinner no problem and had had some water. Should I take him I the vet? He is lethargic (possibly because it’s about 2.5 hours past his bed time) but after he ate he fell asleep. Should I let him sleep it off and see how’s he doing in the morning? Or take him to the vet immediately?
Champion
Pit bull
6 Months
Moderate severity
0 found helpful
Moderate severity
Has Symptoms
Diarrhea
Shaking
Worms In Stool
Vomiting
My 6 month old puppy got into some alcohol two days ago and since last night he was throwing up. He is now shaking some. What should I do I have tried giving him pydialite. He got into some Smirnoff and some steel reserve.
Emma
Chihuahua
12 Years
Serious severity
0 found helpful
Serious severity
Has Symptoms
Shaking
Wobbly
Disoriented
Incoherent
I left a cup out from the night before with sparkling water and vodka. As i was leaving for work this morning I noticed something was wrong. She was barely able to walk and bumping into things, falling over. I noticed the cup knocked over, and then I knew. I panicked as it just kept getting worse, and she let me cuddle her which she never does. But it wasn't a cuddle so much as a limp body. She wouldn't, or couldn't respond to normal ques. We made an appointment for the vet for that afternoon but I couldnt wait. I took her in. They have her on fluids and kept her all day. Because there is no night staff I can pick her up tonight but they want me to take her back in tomorrow. I simply cannot afford this. I have no idea how much I'm going to have to pay but i know it will be alot. She's worth it of course, but I was wondering if i just stay home with her tomorrow, and maybe do the water and pedialyte throughout the day, if this might be ok. I dont' want to put her health at rick. But I also want to be able to pay this months bills. Any advice?
Jasmine
Maltese
9 Years
Moderate severity
0 found helpful
Moderate severity
Has Symptoms
Lethargic
Not Eating
No Longer Like To Bark Very Much
No Longer Like To Go Out And Walk
My 8 pound Maltese Jasmine is having many problems. On Wednesday 6/5/2019 she was very lethargic and not at all her happy barking self. She is know to have luxating patella and was having trouble with balance and walking. She had no energy and is normally a very hyper dog. I took her to the the Vet and they ran x-rays to check the knees out, blood test and Addison's disease test. All tests cam back normal: no arthritis, blood work normal, Addison's disease negative. She is a volunteer at a local hospital and maybe she was poisoned by something she ate there on 6/3/2019? She may have had a spoonful of mixed alcoholic drink on 6/2/2019, but showed no distress until 6/5/2019. She is getting better but still very low energy compared to her old self. What are the chances she was poisoned if she did not show any symptoms until 6/5/2019?
Scotty
Labrador Retriever
6 Weeks
Mild severity
0 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
HI, my puppy ate a leftover chicken by my uncle after drinking. And now my puppy is vomiting. I suspect that the chicken has a little bit of alcohol in it. Now, he won't eat, just drinks small amount of water and he already vomited 3 times. I am so worried. What should I do?
Alcohol Poisoning Average Cost
From 42 quotes ranging from $250 - $4,000
Average Cost
$1,800
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