Can Dogs Eat Hops?
❌ No! Hops are extremely toxic to dogs and can cause life-threatening hyperthermia!
Hops, used in beer brewing, are highly toxic to dogs and can cause malignant hyperthermia - a rapid, uncontrollable increase in body temperature. This is particularly dangerous for home brewers who may have hops accessible. Both fresh and spent hops are toxic, and certain breeds (especially Greyhounds, Labrador Retrievers, Saint Bernards, and Border Collies) may be more susceptible. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment.
Toxicity Information
🩺 Signs & Symptoms of Poisoning
- ●Excessive panting
- ●Restlessness and anxiety
- ●Rapidly increasing body temperature (can exceed 108°F)
- ●Bright red gums
- ●Vomiting
- ●Rapid heart rate
- ●Muscle rigidity
- ●Seizures
- ●Dark brown urine
- ●Collapse and death if untreated
🚨 What to Do If Your Dog Ate Hops
1. THIS IS AN EXTREME EMERGENCY - Act immediately
2. Call your emergency vet while starting cooling measures
3. Begin cooling your dog with cool (not ice cold) water
4. Place cool wet towels on the body, especially groin and armpits
5. Do NOT use ice or very cold water (can worsen condition)
6. Transport immediately to veterinary hospital
7. Continue cooling during transport
8. Aggressive treatment including IV fluids and cooling required
🚨 In Case of Emergency
If your dog has consumed something toxic, contact help immediately:
🛡️ Prevention Tips
Home brewers must store hops in completely inaccessible areas. Dispose of spent hops immediately in secure containers. Never compost hops where dogs can access. Keep dogs away from brewing areas. Be aware that dried hops in crafts or decorations are equally dangerous. Educate all household members about the extreme danger.