What is alcohol poisoning?
Exposure to ethanol (also called ethyl alcohol) by ingestion, inhalation, or skin absorption can lead to alcohol poisoning. Ethanol is a colorless, flammable liquid with a mild odor and a burning taste. Ethanol is fermented from sugar crops or starch crops, including corn, wheat, and potatoes.
Common sources of ethanol include alcoholic beverages, liquor-containing candies, hand sanitizer, mouth wash, some liquid medications, rotten fruits, and raw or rising yeast-based bread dough. All animals are at risk of alcohol poisoning, but cats are especially sensitive.
Isopropanol (isopropyl alcohol) and methanol (methyl alcohol) can also cause alcohol poisoning. Products that contain these alcohols include rubbing alcohol, perfumes, some pet flea sprays, disinfectants, automotive windshield wiper fluid, paint removers, cleaning products, and canned fuels.
What are the clinical signs of alcohol poisoning?
Common clinical signs of alcohol poisoning include:
- Neurologic depression
- Difficulty walking
- Nausea or vomiting
- Low body temperature
- Low blood sugar
- Increased thirst
- Increased urination
Severe signs of alcohol poisoning include:
- Slow respiratory rate
- Heart rate changes
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Coma
- Death
Clinical signs usually occur quickly after exposure to a toxic dose of alcohol; likely within 15 to 90 minutes. If your pet has been exposed to any form of alcohol, immediately call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline, a 24/7 animal poison control center, at 1-800-213-6680.
How is alcohol poisoning diagnosed?
To diagnose alcohol poisoning, your veterinarian will look for expected signs along with a history of recent exposure to a product containing ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, or methyl alcohol. Your veterinarian may perform testing to further assist with diagnosis and treatment; however, veterinary medicine does not use breathalyzer and blood testing to determine blood alcohol levels.
How is alcohol poisoning treated?
Early intervention is key to successful treatment of alcohol poisoning. Your veterinarian may induce vomiting, depending on timing of ingestion, amount ingested, presence or absence of signs, and type of alcohol involved. Bathing may be needed for dermal exposures. Supportive therapy includes fluids and medications to treat the pet’s clinical signs. Your pet may need to be hospitalized for monitoring of cardiovascular and neurological function until they have recovered.
What is the prognosis for alcohol poisoning?
Prognosis for recovery from alcohol poisoning is excellent, provided the pet receives prompt veterinary treatment.
Pet Poison Helpline, a pet poison control center based out of Minneapolis, MN, is available 24/7 for pet owners and veterinary professionals that require assistance treating a potentially poisoned pet. The staff provides treatment advice for poisoning cases of all species, including dogs, cats, birds, small mammals, large animals, and exotic species. As the most cost-effective option for animal poison control care, Pet Poison Helpline’s per-incident fee includes follow-up consultations for the duration of the poison case. Pet Poison Helpline is available in North America by calling 800-213-6680. Additional information can be found online at www.petpoisonhelpline.com.
