What is beer?
Beer is a beverage made by fermenting starchy substances. Barley, wheat or other types of grain are usually used for this. During fermentation, yeasts convert the sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide. Hops or other flavorings are often added to give the beer taste and aroma. There are many different types of beer, which vary in color, strength, origin and ingredients.
Why is beer harmful to dogs?
You may sometimes think to yourself: "My dog looks at me so curiously when I drink my after-work beer. Maybe he would enjoy a sip too?
But be careful: this is not a good idea! Beer contains several ingredients that are toxic to dogs.
- Firstly, there is the alcohol. It has a much stronger effect on dogs than on humans, as they can break it down more slowly. Even small amounts can lead to symptoms of poisoning, such as vomiting, diarrhea, shortness of breath, convulsions or unconsciousness. In the worst case, alcohol poisoning can lead to death.
- On the other hand, there is hops. It belongs to the hemp family and has a calming effect on humans. In dogs, however, it can trigger an allergic reaction known as hop poisoning. The symptoms are similar to those of alcohol poisoning, but can be accompanied by fever, palpitations or shock.
- Beer also contains carbohydrates, which are unnecessary for dogs and can lead to obesity. Other ingredients such as fruit or spices can also be incompatible for dogs.
What to do if your dog has drunk beer? If your dog has accidentally or deliberately drunk some of your beer, you should act immediately. Depending on the amount and type of beer, serious complications can quickly arise. Watch your dog closely for signs of poisoning and, if in doubt, call a vet. They can tell you what to do and whether treatment is necessary.
