If My Dog Accidentally Drinks Wine ...

April 28, 2021

If My Dog Accidentally Drinks Wine ...

You're enjoying a drink of wine one evening and you step away for a moment to grab some more prosciutto and cheese. When you come back you notice that your wine glass is now empty! Your dog has just licked clean the rest of your wine.

You may wonder what will happen to your dog. Will this adversely affect your dog? Will he get intoxicated? What are some side effects of dogs accidentally drinking wine? Read on as we discuss some of these questions.

 

Do Dogs Like Wine?

Dogs are curious animals. They are usually curious to check out any object that looks attractive or seems odd to them. Unfortunately that curiosity can lead your dog into taking a whiff and then a sip of your drink. Also, dogs like to imitate their owners so they may develop an interest in the drink only because they've observed you enjoy drinking it. Also, occasionally when we drink wine, we like to pour them into wine glasses which could also make your dog curious about what you're drinking.

In addition, dogs seem to be attracted to blue and yellow colors which may explain why most dog toys are made in those colors. So if your wine glass is blue or yellow, your dog may think it's their toy and check it out. But after tasting the wine, do dogs enjoy the taste and smell? Most dogs actually find the taste of wine repulsive mainly because they don't like the main ingredient in wine - grapes. They may drink a few pints of the liquid, but will normally lose interest in the drink. However, even drinking a little wine may lead to a serious medical emergency.

 

What Happens if My Dog Drinks Wine

Grapes - the main component in wine - is highly toxic to most dogs. They could potentially cause kidney failure, so do not feed any foods that are grape-based to dogs. Although there are only limited studies that show that wine is as toxic as grapes are to dogs, it is still wise to keep your alcoholic beverages out of your dog's reach.

Even if drinking wine does not lead to kidney failure for your dog, it could cause other potential problems. Dogs are relatively smaller than humans, so it may take them more time to process the alcohol. It could cause alcohol poisoning in your dog. Also, dog's digestive system is not accustomed to processing alcohol, so it could induce allergic reactions and other respiratory and skin issues.

 

Can My Dog Become Intoxicated?

Just like humans, dogs can become intoxicated from drinking wine. Symptoms include dis-coordination and lethargy. They may also have some mood swings such as becoming very vocal by barking and growling. In addition, dogs will not understand that they are in a state of intoxication, so the effects of drinking alcohol, such as being in a disoriented state of mind, can make your dog panic. This in turn, could cause your dog to become increasingly aggressive and they may also accidentally harm themselves.

 

Can Wine Kill My Dog?

It could. Again, similarly to humans, drinking alcohol does not incur immediate death. However the effects of alcohol poisoning could lead to death. It would ultimately depend on how much wine your dog has drank and depending on your dog's age, size, and health. The takeaway is, if you love your dog, don't give them alcohol and keep it out of their reach.





Also in Pet Care

Why Dogs Eat Grass & What Steps to Take
Why Dogs Eat Grass & What Steps to Take

April 11, 2023

Dogs eating grass is a common behavior that has been observed in different breeds of dogs. This habit is often linked with different possibilities with little to major discomforts after consuming it. Therefore, understanding the reasons behind this behavior and knowing how to help your dog is crucial for dog parents. Here are four possible reasons for grass eating: 

Continue Reading

7 Dog Care Tips for Spring
7 Dog Care Tips for Spring

March 28, 2023

Spring is finally here, and as a dog owner, it's important to make sure your furry friend is ready for the season. With a little bit of effort, you can help your furry friend transition smoothly into the spring season. 

Here are seven dog care tips to keep in mind:

 

Continue Reading

6 Ways to Help Alleviate Dogs with Arthritis
6 Ways to Help Alleviate Dogs with Arthritis

January 24, 2023

As a dog owner, it can be heartbreaking to watch your furry companion struggle with arthritis. Arthritis is a common condition in dogs, particularly as they age, and can cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving. However, with the right care and management, you can help your dog live a comfortable and happy life. Here are six ways to care for a dog with arthritis:

Continue Reading