Cognac (brandy)

Conditions and restrictions

Straight cognac or brandy is a concentrated source of ethanol. Do not offer it or leave a glass within reach. Even if the pet still looks normal, ingestion needs prompt veterinary risk assessment.

Benefits

Cognac or brandy offers no benefit to a dog or cat.

Risks

• Ethanol is absorbed quickly and depresses the central nervous system. Unsteady walking, disorientation, lethargy, tremors, vomiting and breathing difficulty can follow.
• Severe poisoning can cause dangerously low body temperature and blood glucose, metabolic acidosis, seizures, coma and respiratory depression.
• Vomiting while drowsy or mentally altered increases the risk of aspiration into the airways.

Already eaten — what now?

Remove the drink and call a veterinarian at once rather than waiting for signs. Report the species and body weight, alcohol strength, estimated amount and time; keep the bottle or photograph the label. Unsteady walking, marked drowsiness, tremors, seizures, altered breathing or consciousness need immediate transport to a clinic. Do not induce vomiting or give activated charcoal, coffee, sugar or other home remedies unless a veterinarian directs you.

Conditions and restrictions

Treat a dessert, sauce or baked dish as alcohol-containing unless the absence of ethanol is confirmed. The residue depends on the recipe, starting amount, heating time, cookware and whether the food was covered.

Benefits

Cognac or brandy offers no benefit to a dog or cat.

Risks

• Flaming, baking or simmering does not guarantee complete removal of ethanol. Studies found varying amounts remained after cooking.
• Severity depends on the ethanol actually left in the food, the portion eaten and the animal’s body weight.
• Chocolate, coffee, xylitol, grapes, raisins, onion or garlic in the recipe can add separate hazards.

Already eaten — what now?

Remove the food and check the recipe. Call a veterinarian with the species and body weight, how much brandy was added, cooking time, amount eaten and all other ingredients. Any neurological sign, repeated vomiting or breathing change needs immediate care. Do not induce vomiting at home.

Conditions and restrictions

Assess cocktails, liqueurs, infusions and brandy-filled chocolates by their full ingredient list. Ethanol already makes the mixture hazardous, while the product name does not reveal strength or added ingredients.

Benefits

Cognac or brandy offers no benefit to a dog or cat.

Risks

• Ethanol causes the same neurological, respiratory and metabolic problems as it does in a straight drink.
• Other ingredients can change urgency and treatment. Chocolate, caffeine, xylitol, grapes or raisins, onion, garlic and medicines are especially important to identify.
• A sweet taste or syrup may encourage a larger intake but does not reduce alcohol toxicity.

Already eaten — what now?

Keep the packaging and full ingredient list, remove the remainder and call a veterinarian at once. Report the strength, estimated amount, time and every added ingredient. Unsteady walking, drowsiness, tremors, seizures, weakness, collapse or altered breathing need immediate transport to a clinic. Do not induce vomiting or give home remedies.