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

My 25 kg dog licked a single, used hop pellet that fell on the patio during our home-brewing session. He seems fine now — is one lick an emergency?

Dogs · Food safety

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

Short answer

Yes, even one lick requires immediate action. Hops can trigger malignant hyperthermia, where a dog's temperature spikes rapidly and fatally. The dangerous reaction isn't dose-dependent in a predictable way — some dogs react severely to tiny amounts. You cannot wait to see if he seems fine. Call your vet or the ASPCA poison line at 888-426-4435 right now. Watch him closely for the next 12 hours for panting, agitation, or a hot belly, and be ready to go to the clinic.

Hops (used hops) — Food safety facts

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

Toxic — can trigger malignant hyperthermia (rapid, fatal rise in body temperature). Emergency if eaten.

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

Hops (used hops) 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.

Hops (used hops) has no place in everyday feeding: keep the rest of the day's food unchanged after this and watch the next walk and the stool that comes with it.

The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Hops (used hops) food facts page.

Open the full food page: Hops (used hops) food facts →