Wine is a popular alcoholic beverage enjoyed by humans worldwide. Many pet owners enjoy a glass of wine at the end of the day, often unaware of the dangers it can pose to their four-legged friends. While wine may be a sweet escape for humans, it can be quite toxic to dogs. If dogs consume wine, it can lead to various health complications, ranging from gastrointestinal issues to even life-threatening conditions. Read below to find out why wine is bad for dogs and the possible complications of alcohol toxicity.
Alcohol’s Toxic Effects on Dogs
Alcohol’s toxic effects are extremely harmful and can be potentially life-threatening to dogs. Dogs have a much lower tolerance towards alcohol than humans, and even small amounts can have severe consequences. Ingesting alcohol can quickly lead to alcohol poisoning in dogs, causing a range of symptoms. Alcohol is rapidly absorbed into a dog’s bloodstream. This can lead to dangerous drops in blood sugar, blood pressure, body temperature, or respiratory failure. It is crucial for dog owners to be vigilant and keep all alcoholic beverages out of their pet’s reach to prevent any accidental ingestion and the potentially devastating consequences that follow.
Alcohol Toxicity
If your dog accidentally ingests alcohol, they can quickly suffer from alcohol poisoning. Common symptoms of toxicity to watch out for include:
- Depression or lethargy
- Incoordination
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Collapse
- Decreased respiratory rate
- Hypoglycemia
- Hypotension
- Hypothermia
Treatment
If you discover that your dog consumed alcohol, such as wine, you must seek medical attention immediately. Contact your veterinarian and Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 for life-saving advice. Take your dog to the veterinary clinic for emergency treatment. Your veterinarian may start by inducing vomiting and administering IV fluids. Specific medications will be given to address clinical signs. In case of an alcohol poisoning emergency, you must act right away and seek proper medical care for your dog to make a full recovery.