Alcohol

Verdict

Alcohol (ethanol) affects dogs far more severely than humans. Even small amounts — beer, wine, spirits, or foods prepared with alcohol — can cause central nervous system depression, dangerously low blood sugar, respiratory failure, and death. A dog's liver lacks the enzymes to metabolize ethanol efficiently.

Symptoms to watch for

• • vomiting
• • disorientation
• • difficulty walking
• • slow breathing
• • low body temperature
• • coma