What happens when a dog drinks alcohol?

Drinking alcohol can lead to alcohol poisoning in dogs, with dangerous symptoms such as rapid breathing, diarrhea, inability to move, and decreased body temperature. Moreover, alcohol can severely damage the dog's central nervous system, causing neurological symptoms of excitement followed by suppression. Additionally, because alcohol contains ethanol, a substance that dogs cannot metabolize, it stays in the dog's body for a long time, causing liver and kidney failure, and eventually death. Therefore, it is recommended that owners avoid exposing their dogs to white liquor and all alcoholic beverages.

1. Poisoning

Drinking alcohol can easily lead to poisoning in dogs. Initial symptoms include excitement, increased heart rate, and rapid breathing, followed by abdominal pain, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Finally, dangerous symptoms such as unstable gait, paralysis, inability to move, and decreased body temperature appear. In severe cases, it can directly cause death. Therefore, if you suspect that your dog has alcohol poisoning, timely diagnosis and treatment at a pet hospital are essential to avoid delays in treatment and endanger the dog's health.

1. Damage to the central nervous system

Alcohol contains ethanol, which is very dangerous for dogs. If a dog drinks a large amount of alcohol, it will affect the dog's central nervous system, causing symptoms such as excitement, unstable gait, confusion, rapid breathing, and accelerated heartbeat, with death being a constant threat.

1. Liver and kidney damage

Dogs' bodies are different from humans. Dogs do not have enzymes to metabolize ethanol in alcohol, so giving dogs alcohol can lead to severe liver and kidney damage.

Note: If a dog has recently drank alcohol, the owner can try to induce vomiting. If the dog has been drinking alcohol for a longer period, it is recommended to take the dog to a pet hospital immediately for rescue.