What it’s in:

Alcoholic drinks aside, alcohol can be found in some surprising places. Rum-soaked cakes or other unbaked deserts containing alcohol may contain alcohol to cause poisoning in pets. Alcohol is also a major byproduct of ingested yeast dough (see yeast-bread dough).

Threat to pets:

Even small amounts of alcohol, especially in small dogs and cats, can cause life-threatening toxicity.

Signs of alcohol poisoning:

Alcohol smell on the breath, neurological depression, hypothermia (low body temperature), hypotension (low blood pressure), seizures and respiratory failure.

Treatment:

Intravenous dextrose (sugar), IV fluids, warming measures and in-hospital monitoring.

Prognosis:

Excellent provided the appropriate care is received.