Can Dogs Drink Wine? 5 Hazards of Wine for Dogs

After a long day, you might sit down with a glass of wine and your dog by your side. You may even think about letting your dog have a little sip.

Wine is part of life for many people. Maybe you enjoy a glass now and then, especially when relaxing with someone you care about or a few friends. Wine often goes hand in hand with dinner, making meals feel special. Some people even believe that drinking wine in moderation is good for your health, like helping your heart or providing antioxidants.

In these cozy moments, it’s natural to want to include your dog. Your pup sits by your side, watching you take each sip, and you might feel a little guilty. You may even think, would a tiny taste be okay? If wine is good for people, could it be good for dogs too?

The answer is no. Wine is dangerous for dogs because it contains alcohol and grapes. Even a small amount can make your dog very sick, very quickly. Dogs can’t process alcohol, and grapes can cause sudden kidney failure, though vets are still figuring out exactly why.

Before you share this crucial information with other dog owners, read the complete article to understand exactly why wine poses such serious risks to our canine companions.

Can Dogs Drink Wine?

Dogs should never have wine. Even a tiny amount can be very dangerous.

Wine is extra dangerous for dogs because of both the alcohol and the grapes. Dogs just can’t break down alcohol the way people can, so even a little bit is a big problem. Because dogs are smaller, even a tiny amount of wine can make them sick very quickly. Last year, the ASPCA got more than 500 calls from people whose dogs drank alcohol.

Wine usually has about 12% alcohol, which is more than the 5% in beer.

Grapes themselves are also a big problem. Vets have found that something in grapes called tartaric acid can cause sudden kidney problems in dogs.

The amount of tartaric acid changes depending on the type of grape and how ripe it is. That’s why some dogs get really sick and others don’t, even if they eat the same amount. But there’s no safe amount—just a little can cause kidney failure.

If a dog drinks wine, symptoms can show up in less than an hour. These can be things like vomiting, acting confused, trouble breathing, or even seizures.

Alcohol poisoning in dogs can lead to coma, low body temperature, or even death. Non-alcoholic wine isn’t safe either, since it still has a little alcohol and grapes. If your dog drinks any wine, call your vet right away.

---

Dangers of Wine for Dogs

Wine poses two significant risks to dogs. Both the alcohol and grape content can cause separate toxic reactions that may be life-threatening.

Alcohol Intoxication and Toxicosis

Dogs process alcohol much more slowly than humans, so even small amounts can be harmful. The lethal dose for dogs is 5.5 to 7.9 grams per kilogram of body weight. Signs of toxicity usually appear within 30 to 60 minutes after ingestion.

Signs of alcohol intoxication in dogs:

• Vomiting and diarrhea from stomach irritation
• Ataxia (unsteady, wobbly walking) and disorientation
• Lethargy progressing to coma in severe cases
• Hypothermia from peripheral blood vessel dilation
• Respiratory depression and potential failure
• Seizures triggered by dangerously low blood sugar
• Tremors and excessive panting

Grape Toxicity

The grape content in wine can also cause acute kidney injury in dogs. Around 45% of dogs with alcohol intoxication develop acidosis, which can make the toxic effects worse.

Signs of grape toxicity in dogs:

• Vomiting within hours of consumption
• Loss of appetite and lethargy
• Abdominal pain and dehydration
• Increased urination followed by kidney shutdown
• Acute kidney failure requiring immediate veterinary intervention

---

5 Hazards of Wine for Dogs

1. Alcohol Poisoning: The Primary Threat

Alcohol poisoning is the main risk if a dog drinks wine. Because dogs are smaller and absorb alcohol faster, it enters their system quickly.

Even a small amount can cause vomiting, diarrhea, trouble breathing, or loss of coordination. In severe cases, it can lead to coma or death. Smaller dogs are at higher risk from even tiny amounts.

2. Central Nervous System Depression

Wine affects a dog’s brain and nervous system. Alcohol slows down important functions that keep your dog alert and healthy.

Symptoms can include confusion, drowsiness, and trouble walking. In serious cases, dogs may have seizures or lose consciousness. These problems can start within an hour of drinking wine.

3. Dangerous Blood Sugar Drops

Alcohol can cause low blood sugar in dogs, which can happen quickly and needs immediate veterinary care.

Signs of low blood sugar are weakness, shaking, and confusion. Small dogs and puppies are at higher risk. Without quick treatment, it can cause seizures or organ failure.

4. Respiratory and Heart Problems

Wine can affect a dog’s heart and breathing. Alcohol may slow breathing and cause irregular heartbeats.

Look for slow or difficult breathing, pale gums, or a weak pulse. These are signs your dog needs emergency care.

5. Additional Toxic Ingredients

Some wines have other ingredients that are harmful to dogs. Sulfites, which are preservatives, can cause allergic reactions or breathing problems in some dogs.

Grapes, which are used to make wine, are very toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure. Even wines with artificial grape flavoring may have ingredients that are unsafe for dogs.

Do Dogs Like Wine?

It is not clear if dogs actually like wine. Many dogs seem curious when you pour a glass, but their reasons are not what you might think.

Dogs might be drawn to the sweet taste in wine. While people notice many flavors, dogs mostly care about the sugar. This sweetness can make wine seem interesting to them, just like other sweet foods.

Smell is also important. Dogs have strong noses and can pick up scents in wine that people do not notice, like fruit or yeast. These smells make them curious and want to check it out.

Dogs also want to join in with what their owners are doing. If they often get food from the table, they may expect to try whatever you have, including wine. Seeing you with a glass can make them want to have some too.

But most dogs do not like the taste of wine if they try it. The grapes make it bitter, and dogs usually avoid that flavor. This helps protect them, but their curiosity about the smell can still lead to accidents.

What to Do If Your Dog Drinks Wine

If your dog drinks wine, call your veterinarian right away. Do not wait for symptoms to show before getting help.

Do not try to make your dog vomit unless your vet tells you to. Keep your dog calm and watch their breathing and heart rate while you get emergency help.

Key Takeaways

Wine is not safe for dogs. The alcohol is dangerous, and other ingredients add more risk. Dogs cannot process alcohol the way people can, so even a small amount is unsafe.

Store wine and other alcohol where pets cannot reach them. Remind guests not to give your dog any drinks. Offer fresh water and dog-safe treats instead.

FAQS.