Suspect poisoning? US: ASPCA Poison Control (888) 426-4435 · UK: 01202 509 000 · Severe symptoms → nearest emergency vet now.

My 10 kg dog drank some flat beer that was left out overnight and now seems wobbly — is this an emergency?

Dogs · Food safety

Last reviewed: 2026-09-05 · Reference ranges: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline & Merck Veterinary Manual

Short answer

Yes, this is an emergency. Ethanol poisoning from spoiled or fermented alcohol happens fast and can cause dangerous symptoms like wobbliness, vomiting, or even collapse in dogs. Even a small amount can be serious for a dog of that size. Get your dog to a vet immediately, and you can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 for guidance on the way.

Alcohol — Food safety facts

Do not feed · Dogs · full breakdown on the linked food page

Ethanol poisoning in pets is fast and serious — a small amount of spirits can be fatal to a cat.

Dogs and cats carry the same rating (Do not feed), so the notes below hold for either pet.

Alcohol should not be given to dogs at all. Even a small amount can do harm, so there is no portion small enough to be safe.

Do not induce vomiting and do not give milk or oil to “dilute” it. Note the food and roughly how much was eaten, then call your vet or a pet poison hotline and follow their advice on whether to bring the pet in straight away.

Why these cautions matter

Rich, fatty food is the classic trigger for pancreatitis, a painful inflammation of the pancreas that usually needs veterinary treatment rather than rest alone.

The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Alcohol food facts page.

Open the full food page: Alcohol food facts →