People who love their dogs love to include them in all they
do, and with more and more businesses opening their doors to canines, the world
gets bigger all the time for our precious pooches. In big cities, dog-loving bars
have established “Yappy Hours” when dogs are welcome to lounge as their humans
have a drink with friends, and several wineries now allow dogs to tour the
vineyards and chillax next to their humans during wine tastings.
But if you’ve been sad that your dog had to watch the fun
from the sidelines, we’ve got some huge news for you- Dog Wine is Here! That’s
right, specially formulated wine made just for dogs is making the rounds, and
the pups are barking for a taste!
But Wait! Isn’t Wine Toxic to Pets?
Human wine certainly is toxic to pets, as it contains both
alcohol and grapes.
Alcohol
can cause effects that range from mild inebriation to life-threatening medical
conditions such as difficulty breathing, dehydration, a reduced heart rate and
even seizures. And
grapes
can cause vomiting and diarrhea within 6 to 12 hours of ingestion, and kidney
failure within 1 to 3 days! Yikes!
Many people aren’t aware of the dangers of our alcoholic
beverages to dogs, and some even let their pups get a taste of their wine or
other drink, but this could be lethal! That’s where dog wine comes in.
Dog wine is a specially formulated drink free of alcohol, grapes
and carbonation, and is made of 100% dog-safe ingredients. It comes in several
varieties, and often contains herbs or supplements that can be beneficial to
pooches. Whether your dog just wants whatever you are having, or is a connoisseur
of fine things, there’s sure to be a dog wine they will be wagging their tail
to get another drink of!
Let’s take a look at some of the better-known dog wineries
and their unique concoctions made just for pooches.
Woof & Brew
This British pet company specializes in dog beverages, and
offers supplemental drinks that help everything from bad doggie breath to
relieving gas. Along with their teas and treats for dogs, they also carry two
varieties of dog wines that contain vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants. These
dog wines can be drunk as is, or poured over food.
- Posh Pooch Tailwagger Creek White Dog Wine is made through
an infusion of elderflower, ginseng, nettle,
and limeflower.
- Posh Pooch Barker Bay Rose Dog Wine is an infusion of
elderflower, ginseng,
nettle, limeflower and black carrot.
Pet Winery
Based in the U.S. in sunny Florida, Pet Winery specializes in
treating pets with their own wine and champagne blends, as well as specially flavored
dog-safe ice cream! All varieties of their dog wines and champagnes include bacon
and salmon oil which contains healthy omega-3 fatty acids that help support
your dog’s immune system, joints, skin and coat, and even their heart! Just be
sure your dog isn’t
allergic to fish oil
before serving up a cup.
- FetchMe Grigio is their white wine.
- FetchMe Noir is the red variety.
- Dög Pawrignon Brut is their non-carbonated white
champagne that’s pawfect for celebrations, weddings and more!
- Dög Pawrignon Rose Edition is their rose champagne, and
simply the finest for the classiest furry princess in your life.
Apollo Peak
Another U.S. company, Apollo Peak is located in mountainous Colorado.
Not only does this furbulous pet drink company offer two dog wine varieties and
occasional special editions, but they also sell pawdorable plush wine bottles for
the chewer in your life. Some plushies are even scented with real
anise
which dogs love!
- Zinfantail Dog Wine was designed to freshen stinky
dog breath and relax pooches, and is made with peppermint leaf, beets, and
rosemary.
- CharDognay Dog Wine is a puptastic calming beverage
made of delicious chicken broth, chamomile leaf, beets, glucosamine and
rosemary.
- CharDOGEnay Dog Wine Special Edition is made
with an emphasis on bone and joint health, and features rosemary, salmon oil, glucosamine
and chondroitin.
- Doge Rose Dog Wine Special Edition is made
with the same ingredients as the CharDOGEnay, but tinted pink for an elegant gal
pal drink.
Got a dog who is more a bruiser than a sipper? Woof &
Brew and the Pet Winery also sell dog beer for a different taste. And if your
kitty is trying to get in on the action, check out Apollo Peak’s huge cat wine
line, as well as Pet Winery’s feline concoctions.
How to Spoil Your Canine Pal with Dog Wine
Now that you’ve got your hands on some pawfectly crafted and
safe dog wine, how do you let your pup enjoy it?
- Relax at home with a glass of your wine and a bowl of dog
wine for your dog.
- Bring your dog wine to your local dog-friendly bar or winery to
let your pup get in on the fun.
- Enjoy a sunset with your best canine by your side, and dog
wine at the ready.
- Is your dog the ringbearer at a wedding? Let them toast with
dog wine!
- Ring in the New Year with your pup with a glass of dog
champagne.
- Pour over your dog’s food to make a hum drum meal something special.
The pawssibilities are simply endless! Of course, you should
always talk with your veterinarian before adding dog wine into your pup’s diet,
and go slowly when introducing it for the first time. While the ingredients in
dog wine are generally safe, there’s always a chance for a rare allergic
reaction to occur to one of their ingredients, so be sure to watch your dog for
any symptoms.
If you’d like to give dog wine a try, look online or to your
local premier pet store for a bottle of a red, white or pink variety that’ll
make your dog’s tail wag! Woof!