Dogs can’t drink whiskey because it’s poisonous to them.
Even a tiny amount of alcohol can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, and coma in dogs.
Therefore, leave your furry friend home when you go out for drinks.
This article will help you understand why alcohol is dangerous for dogs and the signs to look out for if your dog has consumed alcohol.
What Happens if My Dog Drinks Whisky?
Whisky is an antidepressant and a sedative.
It depresses the central nervous system and causes drowsiness in your dog or even falling asleep.
Alcohol also causes blood vessels to dilate, which leads to low blood pressure and an increased heart rate.
In large quantities, whisky can cause your dog to vomit, have diarrhea, and potentially lead to death.
If Your Dog Accidentally Drinks Whisky, What Should You Do?
Despite your best precautions, your furry friend may still get aces to some whisky.
If your dog only had a small sip, there is no need to worry.
However, if they drank a lot you will notice signs such as:
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Difficulty breathing
Tremors
Loss of coordination
Drowsiness or sleepiness
Unusual behavior.
If your dog shows any of these symptoms, it’s vital to take them to the vet immediately.
Alcohol poisoning is a serious condition and can be fatal if not treated quickly.
While preparing to visit your veterinarian, you can try to prevent your dog from vomiting by giving them one teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide for every 20 pounds (nine kilograms) of body weight.
However, don’t give your dog more than three doses in 12 hours.
If your dog is still vomiting after that, stop giving hydrogen peroxide and take them to the vet.
Try not to give your dog home remedies such as coffee, tea, or milk to sober them up.
These will only make the situation worse.
The best thing you can do is to keep an eye on them and wait for the effects of the alcohol to wear off.
Why does my Dog Love Whisky?
The taste, smell, and appearance of whisky are appealing to dogs.
Whisky also contains glucose, which is a sugar that dogs love.
Dogs are attracted to the whisky’s sweetness and will often beg for a taste.
If you’re not careful, your dog may end up drinking more than it should.
Moreover, dogs have a much higher tolerance for alcohol than humans.
This is because their liver can’t metabolize alcohol as efficiently as ours.
As a result, dogs get intoxicated much faster than humans.
Thus, dogs enjoy the calming effect of whisky as much as we do.
How to Prevent your Dog from Drinking Whisky
Whisky is poisonous to dogs, so take precautions to prevent your furry friend from drinking it.
For instance, store it in a refrigerator with a child-proof lock or on a high shelf.
Hiding the drink prevents accidental consumption and limits your dog’s temptation.
Don’t Leave Drinks Unattended
If you can’t store your drink away for whatever reason, don’t leave it unattended.
Dogs are curious creatures and will sniff around for anything that smells interesting.
If you’re not careful, your dog may take a sip of your drink when you’re not looking.
When done drinking, pour the remaining whisky into a container with a lid.
This way, your dog can’t get to it even if they knock the glass over.
Don’t Give your Dog any Alcohol
While it’s alluring to give your dog a “taste” of whisky, doing so is dangerous.
Even if it’s just a tiny sip, don’t give your furry friend any alcohol.
It’s not worth the risk of alcohol poisoning.
Talk to your Guests
Tell your guests that you have a dog and that they should be careful with their drinks.
This way, guests will take the necessary precautions to prevent your dog from getting into their alcoholic beverages.
However, if your guests get overtly drunk and forget about your dog, it’s best to put your furry friend in another room to avoid accidental consumption.
Spills
In case of spills, clean them up immediately.
Dogs have a keen sense of smell and will be drawn to the scent of whisky.
If they find a puddle of alcohol, they might be tempted to drink it.
Wipe up any spills with a paper towel and dispose of them in a sealed container.
Can Dogs Drink Whiskey FAQs
Can dogs become alcoholics?
Dogs can develop alcoholism just like humans.
Talk to your veterinarian if you think your dog has a drinking problem.
They will help you create a treatment plan for your furry friend.
How long does alcohol stay in your dog’s system?
Dogs remain intoxicated for a shorter amount of time than humans.
Hi, my name is Megan Turner and I have worked in a dog’s shelter for four years now. It is truly my dream job, and I see hundreds of dogs every month being united with new owners to give them a loving forever home.
Unfortunately, handicapped dogs are much more likely to be ignored when a family is picking out their new pet. Handicapped pets need more care than non-handicapped pets, so it is understandable why they are often harder to rehome.
