Can dogs drink beer?

Beer typically contains 4 to 6 percent alcohol, and strong craft beers can be 8 percent or more. Alcohol is absorbed quickly, and signs can appear within 30 to 60 minutes: wobbliness, drowsiness, vomiting, and confusion. Larger amounts can cause low blood sugar, low body temperature, slow breathing, and collapse.

Small dogs are at greatest risk because the same volume is a much larger dose for them.

Hops, the flowers used to flavor and preserve beer, can cause a dangerous rise in body temperature in dogs, along with panting, restlessness, and a racing heart. The risk is highest for home brewers, whose dogs may eat spent hops or hop pellets. Some breeds, including greyhounds, have been reported as more sensitive.

Store brewing supplies behind closed doors and dispose of spent hops securely.

Dogs often lap beer from glasses left on low tables or spilled at barbecues. Beer-battered foods and beer bread are cooked, which reduces the alcohol, but they still carry fat and salt.

Non-alcoholic beer still contains hops and is not suitable either.

So-called dog beer, sold in some pet shops, is usually a meat or vegetable broth with no alcohol or hops. These are treats made for dogs and not related to real beer. Check the label to be sure. Even with a dog treat labeled as beer, count it within the day's calories.