Can Dogs Drink Wine? Is Wine Safe for Dogs? (Vet-Verified)

If you’ve ever sat down on the couch with a glass of wine only to be greeted by a set of puppy dog eyes staring back at you, you’ve probably wondered: Can dogs drink wine?

While it may be tempting to share your glass with your pup (especially if it’s not your first glass of the evening), you should never do so. Wine is one of the worst things that you can give your dog, as alcohol is toxic to dogs and can cause severe signs, including death.

All alcoholic beverages are toxic for dogs, and in the article below, we’ll explore why.

Is Wine Safe for Dogs?

Alcohol of any kind is extremely bad for dogs, and it can lead to fatal alcohol poisoning in sufficient amounts. It doesn’t take much either, as just a few tablespoons can trigger a potentially deadly reaction.

Not all alcoholic beverages contain the same amount of ethanol (alcohol), but they are all toxic.

While wine is toxic because it’s an alcoholic beverage, grapes are also toxic to dogs. They can cause acute kidney failure only if a couple is ingested, often within a few hours of ingesting the fruit.

What Happens If My Dog Drinks Wine?

The results you can expect from your dog drinking wine will vary depending on their size and the amount they consume, but in general, there are a few things you should watch out for.

Below, we’ve included signs of alcohol poisoning; these signs are serious and should be treated with the utmost urgency.

Many of these are also signs of intoxication, and some people think that it’s funny when their dog seems drunk after consuming alcohol. It’s not; it’s actually abuse, and it can be fatal for your dog. Take it seriously, and get them the treatment they need as soon as possible.

My Dog Drank Some Wine. What Should I Do?

You should realize that, due to the grapes inside, there isn’t a “safe” amount of wine for your dog to drink. As a result, you should treat any wine consumption as an emergency.

The first thing you should do is call your vet or the local emergency clinic. Tell them what happened and that you’ll bring your dog in. This gives them time to prepare, and they can give you any last-minute advice as to what steps to take before you leave.

Once you get to the vet’s office, they'll likely examine your dog immediately. If a lot of time hasn’t elapsed since the incident, your vet may try to induce vomiting. They will ensure your dog doesn’t get dehydrated and will monitor and correct your dog’s sugar levels if they are low.

Your vet may need to hospitalize your dog for a period of time to monitor and treat any symptoms they are showing. During this time, they’ll perform blood tests to monitor kidney function, keep them hydrated, provide corrective measures, and pump intravenous fluids through your dog’s system.

Your dog's prognosis should be good if your dog’s signs are mild and you get to the vet’s office in time. However, if you wait too long or the amount of wine causes metabolic acidosis, or respiratory and central nervous system depression.

How Do I Stop My Dog From Drinking Wine?

The easiest and most foolproof way to stop your dog from drinking wine is not to bring any home in the first place. If that’s out of the question, make certain that you never leave your wine glass unattended. Most dogs don’t care for the taste, but some will take a slurp or two if they sense an opportunity. Don’t leave your wine glass on a table or other surface that they can reach.

Besides carelessness, spills are the most common way dogs come in contact with wine. Clean them up immediately, and keep your dog away from the mess until you’re done. This could involve putting them behind a dog gate or simply giving them the “leave it” command.

It’s unlikely that they’ll be able to get into unopened bottles of wine (and if they do, you probably have bigger problems on your hands than grape toxicity), so storing your wine shouldn’t be much of an issue. Just try to keep it where you’re unlikely to spill it.

What About Wine Used for Cooking?

Most wine used in cooking evaporates during the cooking process, so it’s not nearly as dangerous. Still, it’s better not to take any chances, so we’d recommend not sharing food cooked in wine with your pup. They certainly don’t need it, and better options are available, like their kibble.

So, What’s the Verdict? Can Dogs Drink Wine?

No—wine is not safe for dogs and should always be kept out of reach. Like all alcoholic beverages, wine contains ethanol, which dogs cannot safely metabolize and which can quickly lead to alcohol poisoning, even in small amounts. While grapes themselves are toxic to dogs, the primary risk from wine is its alcohol content.

We understand how tempting it can be to share a sip with your dog, especially when they’re watching you closely. However, wine is one treat that should never be shared. If you want to include your dog in special moments, stick to dog-safe alternatives designed specifically for them.

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Featured Image Credit: congerdesign, Pixabay