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

How can I keep my 5kg small‑breed dog from drinking half a cup of wine that was left out overnight?

Dogs · Food safety

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

Short answer

No, never let a dog drink wine. Store all alcoholic beverages in a cabinet out of reach and keep the lid tightly sealed. Teach your dog the “leave it” cue and reward the behavior with a treat. Even a small sip can cause intoxication, vomiting, and low blood sugar, so if any amount is consumed call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 right away.

Wine — Food safety facts

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

Alcohol, and in sweet wines the sugar too. Raisin-based wines add grape toxicity.

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

Wine 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

Grapes and raisins are linked to kidney failure in dogs, and no safe amount is reliable — some pets react after only a few.

Added sugar brings empty calories, and over months that means weight gain and dental disease — both far harder to undo than to avoid.

Wine 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 Wine food facts page.

Open the full food page: Wine food facts →