Can Dogs Drink Alcohol? NZ Safety Answer

Quick answer

No. Dogs should not drink alcohol. Beer, wine, spirits, cocktails, liqueurs, alcoholic desserts and fermenting dough or fruit are not safe dog treats.

Why

Pet Poison Helpline has a specific alcohol poisoning page, and ASPCA lists alcohol among people foods to avoid for pets. NZ exposures can happen at barbecues, beach picnics, parties, camping trips, bach weekends or when a dog licks spilled beer, wine, RTDs, cocktails, Christmas trifle or fermenting scraps.

If your dog ate it

Contact your NZ vet, after-hours emergency clinic, or SPCA for advice.

Safer alternatives

Offer fresh water and normal dog food or dog-safe treats. Keep cups, bottles, cans, punch bowls, fermenting dough, boozy desserts and party leftovers out of reach.

Related reading

• Dog Food Guide NZ
• Pet Emergency Kit NZ Civil Defence Guide
• New Dog Owner: First 30 Days NZ

References

• Pet Poison Helpline, Alcohol, checked 2026-06-13: https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/alcohol/
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control, People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets, checked 2026-06-13: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets

Important notice

*General food-safety information for NZ pet owners, reviewed against ASPCA/VCA guidance (June 2026). For any suspected ingestion or illness, contact a NZ vet, after-hours emergency clinic, or SPCA for advice.*