Can Dogs Tell When You’re Drunk?

Can Dogs Tell When You’re Drunk or Intoxicated? 

Yes, dogs can tell when you’re drunk. In simple terms, dogs can tell you’re drunk through body language, smell, behavior, and changes in routine. Dogs are very attuned to our every move, which is one of the most amazing aspects of the human-dog bond.  

You Smell Different   

When it comes to smell, it’s no secret that dogs have a much better sense of smell than we do. Some can even sniff out cancer or figure out when someone is pregnant based on the scents caused by a shift in hormones. For this reason, it’s no surprise that dogs can smell alcohol.  

Therefore, the way you smell is the biggest giveaway that you’ve been drinking. While drinking a bit may just leave a smell on your breath, heavy drinking can lead to a heavy odor that exudes from your sweat and pores, which your dog can, of course, sniff out. If you get to this point, your dog may even avoid you a bit simply because your usual smell has changed.  

You’re Acting Different  

In addition to a change in your smell, your pet also responds to your body language. If you’re drunk, you might move differently and even behave differently toward your dog, which they’ll certainly notice. For instance, your voice might be slurred and higher or lower, and you might speak more aggressively or incoherently.  

Because alcohol also impacts your coordination, you might also be bumping into chairs or stumbling around the house, which could even concern your dog. If you’re extra sleepy, your dog might also sense that something strange is happening.  

Alcohol also impacts your mood, which can make you either aggressive and grouchy or overly empathetic and touchy-feely. They don’t call alcohol social lubricant for nothing – and that could impact the way you treat your dog.  

For instance, your dog will definitely notice if you’re excitedly chasing them around the house or being extra touchy with them. On the other hand, your dog will also notice if you’re being more grouchy or aggressive than usual, which can make them feel scared and unsure of you. They might even avoid you.  

Your Routine is Different  

Your dog will also notice changes in your routine if you’re drunk. Just like humans, dogs are creatures of habit, and if your intense hangover leads to sleeping in, your dog might be antsy to go outside and do their business. 

Signs Your Dog Feels Neglected Because You’re Drinking 

Another major unfortunate side effect of being drunk – especially if you drink consistently or regularly – is possibly neglecting your pet. When you’re drunk, the last thing you’d likely feel like doing is taking your dog out for a walk or playing fetch with them. You might even go straight to bed when you get home, maybe after forgetting to feed them or refill their water bottle.  

Animal neglect is also common among people with alcohol use disorders. An alcohol use disorder is characterized by an inability to control one’s consumption of alcohol to the point where drinking is their number one priority. This means that, as a result, pets are one of the many things in life that are neglected.   

If you’re a heavy drinker or struggle with alcoholism, below are some common signs your dog feels neglected because of your drinking:  

• They seem lethargic and tired 
• They’re avoiding you 
• They’re not as excited to see you when you get home 
• They’re easily scared of you 
• They’re sleeping more than usual 
• They’re gaining or losing a lot of weight 
• They have a poor appetite 
• They’re acting out  
• They have overgrown toenails 

While heavy drinking and alcoholism take place on an individual level, this can have a massive impact on every person and thing in a person’s life, even their pet. If you’re noticing that you’re struggling to control your drinking or you’re neglecting your dog as a result of this, it’s time to get help. Our Sebring drug rehab offers an alcohol detox program that can help get you started. 

Can Dogs Drink Alcohol?  

While this should go without saying, you’d be surprised. To be clear, no, dogs cannot drink alcohol. Just like chocolate and onions, alcohol is toxic to dogs and can lead to severe injury and even death. Even small amounts of alcohol can have ingredients that are poisonous to dogs.  

Signs of alcohol intoxication in dogs include:   

• Disorientation 
• Excessive panting 
• High body temperature 
• Muscle tremors and seizures 
• Poor coordination 
• Restlessness 
• Vomiting 

In severe cases, if left untreated, alcohol intoxication can result in organ failure and death. So if you tend to leave bottles out after drinking too much at home, think twice about what it might do to your dog.