Why can't dogs have vodka? - briefly
Dogs should not consume vodka due to their unique physiology and metabolism. Vodka is toxic to dogs, as they lack the necessary enzymes to process alcohol safely.
Why can't dogs have vodka? - in detail
Dogs should not consume vodka due to several critical reasons related to their physiology and metabolism. Firstly, dogs are much smaller than humans, which means that even a small amount of alcohol can have a significant impact on their system. Secondly, dogs lack certain enzymes that humans possess, particularly alcohol dehydrogenase, which is crucial for breaking down alcohol in the liver. Without this enzyme, alcohol remains in the dog's system longer, leading to prolonged and more severe intoxication. Additionally, vodka contains ethanol, which can cause serious health issues in dogs, including vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, abnormal heart rate, seizures, coma, and even death. The ingestion of alcohol by a dog is considered an emergency situation that requires immediate veterinary attention to prevent potentially fatal consequences.