What Happens If a Dog Drinks Wine?
If your dog has managed to sneak a sip (or more) of wine, it's not just a minor mishap—it can quickly turn into an emergency. Dogs are extremely sensitive to alcohol, and wine poses additional risks due to its grape content. Let's break down what happens, why it's so dangerous, and what you should do if your dog ingests wine.
Why Wine Is Especially Dangerous for Dogs
Wine contains ethanol (alcohol), which dogs' bodies can't process like humans do. Even small amounts can cause severe reactions. But that's not all: grapes themselves are toxic to dogs, and red wines also contain tannins that add to the risk. So when a dog drinks wine, it's exposed to multiple toxins at once.
Symptoms of Alcohol and Grape Toxicity in Dogs
The effects of alcohol poisoning in dogs often show up fast—sometimes within 15 to 60 minutes after drinking. Watch for these signs:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Lethargy or sudden weakness
- Lack of coordination (wobbly walking)
- Muscle tremors or shaking
- Disorientation or confusion
- Excessive drooling or panting
- Slowed or labored breathing
- Low heart rate
- Hypothermia (low body temperature)
- Seizures, collapse, or even coma
If you see any of these symptoms—or even suspect your dog drank wine—act immediately.
The Science: Why Even Small Amounts Are Dangerous
The oral lethal dose of ethanol for dogs is around 5.5 to 7.9 grams per kilogram of body weight. For reference, that's not much—so even a few sips can be life-threatening for smaller breeds. Dogs' livers can't break down alcohol efficiently, causing rapid intoxication and dangerous drops in blood sugar, blood pressure, and body temperature.
Red wine is particularly risky:
- Toxins from grapes can cause kidney failure.
- Tannins may irritate the digestive tract.
If Your Dog Drinks Wine: What To Do Right Away
- Contact your veterinarian or a pet poison helpline immediately.
- Try to estimate how much was consumed and what type of wine it was.
- Monitor your dog for symptoms listed above.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless specifically told by a vet. Alcohol absorbs quickly; vomiting only helps within the first few minutes after ingestion.
- Keep your pet calm and comfortable while you seek help.
If severe symptoms appear—like seizures, collapse, or trouble breathing—get your dog to an emergency clinic without delay.
Treatment Options at the Vet's Office
Your veterinarian may use several approaches depending on how much time has passed since ingestion and the severity of symptoms:
- Intravenous fluids: To flush toxins and support vital organs.
- Medications: To control seizures or other symptoms.
- Monitoring: Heart rate, breathing, temperature, and blood sugar will be closely watched.
Activated charcoal isn't usually effective for absorbed alcohol.
Avoiding Accidents: Prevention Tips
- Store all alcoholic beverages securely out of reach.
- Clean up spills right away; don't let pets lick surfaces where wine was spilled.
- Tell guests about the risks; remind them not to leave drinks unattended where pets can reach them.
- Toss out alcohol-soaked waste safely; don't leave it where curious noses might find it later.
A Safer Alternative: What Can Dogs Drink?
If you want to include your pup in celebrations (without any risk), offer safe options like water, bone broth (no onions or garlic), or special non-alcoholic "dog beers" made for pets. Never give dogs human alcoholic drinks or foods with alcohol—even desserts like rum cake are off-limits!
The Bottom Line: Take Any Exposure Seriously
If you're unsure how much wine your dog drank—or if symptoms appear at any severity—don't wait. Early intervention gives your pet the best chance at recovery. Repeated exposure (even in small amounts) can lead to long-term organ damage over time, especially affecting the liver and kidneys.
Your best bet? Keep all alcohol far from curious paws and educate everyone in your home about the dangers. If an accident does happen, quick action could save your dog's life.
