Curious Pup Takes a Sip, Ends Up Snoozing at the Vet
A Drunken Dog in South Jersey
It was just another day in South Jersey until Mary walked into her kitchen and found her dog Jack stumbling around like he’d just left a bar.
The 5-year-old former shelter dog, possibly a German shepherd husky mix, had raided his owner’s liquor cabinet.
A bottle of Baileys was spilled on the floor, and a vodka bottle was knocked over on the counter, its cap half-chewed off.
Mary didn’t need to sniff Jack’s breath to know he was drunk. “Jack, try to walk. C’mon, let’s go,” she urged, but the pup could barely keep his balance.
Jack’s Mischievous Nature
Even when sober, Jack is a handful. Rescued from a shelter, this energetic dog has a knack for getting into trouble.
His possible German shepherd husky lineage gives him a curious and adventurous streak, which Mary has always found endearing—until it led to this boozy escapade.
Using a window seat as a launchpad, Jack jumped onto the counter, where he found the tempting bottles of Baileys and vodka.
Bite marks on the vodka bottle’s cap revealed his determination to get a taste.
A Quick Response Saves the Day
Mary’s heart sank when she realized what had happened, but she didn’t hesitate.
“I immediately called poison control,” she recalled, her voice tinged with worry.
The poison control team advised her to rush Jack to a veterinary clinic.
At the vet, Jack received IV fluids to flush the alcohol from his system and was kept overnight for observation.
The next morning, the vet called with good news: Jack was back to his usual self, not even sporting a hangover. “Lucky him!” Mary laughed, her relief evident.
The Dangers of Alcohol for Pets
Dr. Jane Doe, a seasoned veterinarian, wasn’t shocked by Jack’s antics.
“Pets getting into things they shouldn’t is more common than people think, especially during the holidays,” she said.
Alcohol is highly toxic to pets, and even small amounts can cause serious harm.
According to the Pet Poison Helpline, symptoms of alcohol poisoning in pets include staggering, disorientation, vomiting, lethargy, and, in severe cases, coma or death. Jack’s size and Mary’s swift action likely prevented a worse outcome.
A Growing Problem During the Holidays
The holidays are a risky time for pets. With festive gatherings, homes are filled with tempting treats and drinks that can spell trouble for curious animals.
The ASPCA reported over 400,000 pet poisoning cases in 2021, a 22% increase from the previous year.
Alcohol, alongside chocolate, certain plants, and human medications, is a top culprit. Creamy drinks like Baileys, which Jack found irresistible, are especially dangerous due to their sweet, sugary appeal.
Common Holiday Pet Toxins
| Toxin | Potential Effects |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | Staggering, vomiting, lethargy, coma, death |
| Chocolate | Vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, heart issues |
| Poinsettias | Gastrointestinal upset, vomiting |
| Human Medications | Organ damage, neurological issues |
How to Keep Pets Safe
Pet owners need to be proactive to prevent incidents like Jack’s. “Pets are curious by nature,” Dr. Doe noted.
“They’ll investigate anything that smells interesting.” This means keeping all alcoholic beverages—beer, wine, spirits, and even alcohol-infused desserts—securely stored.
The American Kennel Club warns that even small amounts of ethanol can be dangerous, especially for smaller pets. Owners should also be cautious of holiday foods like marinades or desserts that may contain alcohol.
What to Do in an Emergency
If a pet ingests alcohol, time is critical. “The sooner you get help, the better the outcome,” Dr. Doe emphasized.
Owners should immediately contact a veterinarian or a pet poison control center, such as the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661.
In some cases, inducing vomiting may be recommended if ingestion occurred within 15 minutes, but this should only be done under veterinary guidance.
Supportive care, like the IV fluids Jack received, is often necessary to help pets metabolize the toxin safely.
Mary’s Lessons Learned
Mary has since taken steps to ensure Jack doesn’t pull off another boozy heist. “I never thought he’d get into the liquor,” she admitted.
“He’s always been curious, but this was a shock. I’m just glad he’s okay.” She now stores all alcohol and potentially harmful substances in secure, inaccessible places.
“Better safe than sorry,” she said, vowing to keep a closer eye on her mischievous pup.
A Wake-Up Call for Pet Owners
Jack’s drunken adventure may sound like a funny story, but it’s a serious reminder of the dangers pets face, especially during festive seasons.
By taking simple precautions—like securing alcohol, being mindful of holiday treats, and knowing what to do in an emergency—pet owners can keep their furry friends safe.
Jack’s tale is a wake-up call for all of us to stay vigilant and keep the holiday spirit pet-friendly.
Key Citations:
- NJ Dog Drunk on Owner’s Liquor
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center 4 Million Cases
- Pet Poison Helpline Alcohol Toxicity
