Is Alcohol Toxic to Pets?
Yes — alcohol is toxic to cats. Yes — alcohol is toxic to dogs. Yes — alcohol is toxic to horses.
PawSafe Check is for general information only and is not veterinary advice. Always contact your veterinarian or a poison control service if you think your pet has been exposed.
- Toxic compound
- Ethanol
- Toxic parts
- Drinks, desserts, raw dough, hand sanitizer
- Also known as
- beer, wine, liquor, ethanol
Symptoms
Cats (toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Reduced appetite
Dogs (toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Reduced appetite
Horses (toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Reduced appetite
What to do
If your cat ate alcohol
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your cat ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
If your dog ate alcohol
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your dog ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
If your horse ate alcohol
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your horse ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
Good to know
Pets are very sensitive to alcohol. It causes vomiting, wobbliness, low blood sugar, low body temperature and can lead to coma.
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Frequently asked questions
Is alcohol toxic to cats?
Yes — alcohol is toxic to cats. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.
Is alcohol toxic to dogs?
Yes — alcohol is toxic to dogs. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.
Is alcohol toxic to horses?
Yes — alcohol is toxic to horses. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.
Which parts of alcohol are toxic?
Drinks, desserts, raw dough, hand sanitizer.
What makes alcohol toxic?
Ethanol.