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 Pet Central
Q&A
Q: My dog is crazy,
so every now and again I offer a sip of wine to calm him down. It works.
Is wine dangerous for dogs? -- T.L., San Jose, Calif.
Q: My wacky husband
takes our dog to the local bar once every week or two, and they share
a cold one. I don’t want my dog getting a beer belly. Should I be worried?
-- C.M., Appleton, Wis.
A: That depends on
whether you’re talking foreign or domestic. Actually, wine or beer in
moderation won’t hurt a pooch, according to veterinary nutritionist Dr.
Jim Sokowlowski, professional services manager at Pedigree. Just be aware
that dogs can get drunk, and remember it takes less alcohol because their
body weight is way less than a person’s. Sokolowski remembers when his
father-in-law inadvertently left out his martini, which his Pekingnese
promptly gulped down. Sokolowski returned home to find his wobbly dog
walking into walls and singing off-key. Sokolowski points out that dogs
typically have a special liking for the malt taste in beers.
Sokolowski cautions
that stomach upset can follow too much liquor in dogs just as it can in
people. The high calorie content of beer is also a valid concern. Your
husband isn’t the only one who can get a beer belly. What’s more, while
no long-term study has been done on the subject, it seems likely hard
alcohol can cause serious liver damage more quickly in dogs than in people,
which can be fatal. You don’t want to depend on spirits for calming
an excitable pup; try basic obedience. However, assuming your dog is of
legal age, and isn’t going to drive home, a sip every now and then is
acceptable.
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