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

My 15 kg dog with liver disease ate some food cooked with white wine sauce about an hour ago. What should I do?

Dogs · Food safety

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

Short answer

Yes, this is an urgent situation, especially for a dog with a pre-existing liver condition. Alcohol is toxic to dogs, and their liver may not be able to process it effectively. Any amount can worsen the disease and cause poisoning. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately.

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.

Alcohol 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 Alcohol food facts page.

Open the full food page: Alcohol food facts →