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Can dogs and cats eat wine?

Short answer on wine: a veterinary emergency for both dogs and cats. See what to watch for and the veterinary sources behind each answer.

One food, two pets

What changes between dogs and cats?

Dogs and cats both have a emergency verdict.

The label matches, but the two answers are not interchangeable. Check the bottom line and signs to watch for your pet below.

  • Bottom line differs
  • Signs to watch differs
Emergency

Wine safety for dogs

Wine, like all alcoholic beverages, is toxic to dogs with no safe amount, and even a small spill lapped up by a small dog can cause serious alcohol poisoning.

Toxic principle: Ethanol

Watch for

  • Vomiting
  • Loss of coordination (ataxia)
  • Lethargy or depression
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Changes in blood pH
  • Coma

Sources

Reviewed 2026-07-12

Emergency

Wine safety for cats

Wine is toxic to cats, who cannot metabolize alcohol effectively; poisoning can occur from a very small amount, including licking up a spill.

Toxic principle: Ethanol

Watch for

  • Vomiting
  • Wobbliness or disorientation
  • Low body temperature
  • Low blood sugar
  • Slow breathing
  • Seizures
  • Coma

Sources

Reviewed 2026-07-12

Questions owners ask about wine

Can dogs eat wine?

Wine, like all alcoholic beverages, is toxic to dogs with no safe amount, and even a small spill lapped up by a small dog can cause serious alcohol poisoning.

What should I do if my dog ate wine?

Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before calling.

What symptoms should I watch for with wine and dogs?

Vomiting, Loss of coordination (ataxia), Lethargy or depression, Difficulty breathing, Changes in blood pH, Coma. If you notice any of these, contact your veterinarian.

Can cats eat wine?

Wine is toxic to cats, who cannot metabolize alcohol effectively; poisoning can occur from a very small amount, including licking up a spill.

What should I do if my cat ate wine?

Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before calling.

What symptoms should I watch for with wine and cats?

Vomiting, Wobbliness or disorientation, Low body temperature, Low blood sugar, Slow breathing, Seizures, Coma. If you notice any of these, contact your veterinarian.

This page is for informational purposes only and is not veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian about your pet's diet and health.

More beverages

Read our methodology for how every verdict is sourced and reviewed.