Alcoholic products, particularly the Ethanol found in Alcohol, can be life threatening if ingested by pets. Toxicity risks include low blood sugar, decreased blood pressure, and dangerously low body temperature. Clinical signs of alcohol toxicosis generally begin within 30–60 minutes after ingestion. Alcohol (ethanol) intoxication occurs when pets take licks of mixed drinks, beer, or wine, but it also can occur when pets consume candies with liquor centers or raw bread dough made with yeast.
Signs and symptoms of toxicity: Signs of toxicity may include vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, difficulty breathing, fatigue and tremors. Clinical signs of alcohol intoxication in dogs and cats includes rapid onset of neurological signs including lethargy and difficulty walking (ataxia) as well as gastrointestinal distress such as vomiting.
If you have any reason to suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please contact your veterinarian or one of the other resources* listed:
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435
• Pet Poison Helpline® 24-hour animal poison control service at (855) 764-7661