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On occasions from St. Patrick’s Day to lazy summer barbecues to Oktoberfest and beyond, you might find yourself sipping a cold beer with your dog nearby. Does he want a taste? If he does, is it safe for your dog to share a sip of beer? The short answer: no. But read on for a clever workaround.
Is It Safe for Dogs To Drink Beer?
Sadly, it isn’t safe for dogs to share your favorite brew. Alcohol is toxic to dogs in direct proportion to a dog’s weight. Alcohol poisoning can cause hypothermia, low blood pressure, seizures, and respiratory failure in dogs. Treatments include induced vomiting (under a vet’s watchful eye), IV fluids, and a dextrose drip.
Hops, a major ingredient in most beer, are toxic to dogs, causing elevated body temperature, racing heart, and vomiting. Luckily, most dogs aren’t likely to be around hops themselves; only homebrewers really need to worry about limiting their dogs’ access to actual hops. However, hops in beer are still a concern for dogs.
Beer Made Just for Dogs
Sounds pretty scary, right? Luckily, there is a way to enjoy a beer with your pup: brews made just for dogs can be found online, in pet stores, and at dog-friendly bars across the nation.
Say what?
Yes, dog “beer” is available: A handful of companies make dog “beer” in the form of savory broths, meal additives, and “liquid treats” your dog will love.
Our Favorite Dog Brews
Bowser Beer for Dogs Variety Pack
Yep, this Bowser Beer is brewed just for our canine pals and makes for a tasty topper—well, for your four-legged friend. The variety pack comes with a bottle of each flavor—chicken, pork, and beef—plus lots of malty goodness without the alcohol or hops. There’s even a traditional six-pack option.
Find on AmazonPet Winery BarkBrew All-Natural Beef Ale
You’re sure to get happy tail wags with this 8-ounce bottle of non-alcoholic beer. And because there’s nothing better than a cold beer on a hot day, you can even safely freeze this “beer” by pouring it into an ice mold to make pet beer-sicles. Beef not your pup’s thing? Try some dog-friendly chicken ale.
Beer Paws Party Packs
Not only is a bottle of Beer Paws all-natural with a delicious beef flavor, but it also contains vegetarian glucosamine to help promote canine joint health. Grab a six- or twelve-pack, which also comes with a koozie and peanut butter Beer Biscuits snacks made for doggos. Some pet parents say this novelty beer for dogs makes a surprisingly practical meal topper and training reward.
Shop on Beer PawsGood Boy Dog Beer, Sampler Pack
Because of their Rottweiler Rocky’s sensitive stomach and food allergies, Houston-based dog-lovers Steve and Megan Long began making their own dog treats and, along the way, created Good Boy Dog Beer.
Their all-natural brew comes in four flavors: IPA lot in the Yard (pork flavor), Mailman Malt Licker (chicken flavor), Session Squirrel (veggie flavor), and Crotch Sniffin’ Ale (peanut flavor).
Shop on Good Boy Dog BeerPup Light Squeaky Toy
If your pup’s diet can’t accommodate a dog beer, don’t worry—they can still celebrate in style with a beer-themed squeaky toy. These 5.5-inch cans are solidly stuffed and feature a soft exterior for a pleasant mouthfeel (we imagine) with notes of fuzz and dog happiness. If your pup prefers rubbery toys, try this vinyl Dos Perros Silly Squeaker. Enjoy!
Shop on AmazonFurther Reading
For more on dogs and alcohol, check out the articles below.