Keep the Hops for Your Beer—Not Your Dog!

Beer lovers and homebrewers, listen up! While hops are essential for crafting that perfect pint, they can be incredibly dangerous for your furry friends. Hops are toxic to dogs! Whether you’re brewing at home, visiting a brewery, or composting spent hops, it’s important to understand the risks hops pose to dogs and how to keep them safe.

Why Are Hops Dangerous to Dogs?

Hops—the flowers of the Humulus lupulus plant—are a crucial ingredient in beer, but they contain compounds that can trigger malignant hyperthermia in dogs. This condition causes a rapid and uncontrollable rise in body temperature, which can lead to organ failure and death. Some breeds, like greyhounds and bulldogs, are more prone to this condition, but any dog can be affected.

What Happens if a Dog Eats Hops?

The effects of hop poisoning can appear quickly, sometimes within 30 minutes to an hour after ingestion. If your dog has eaten hops, here’s what to watch for:

  • Heavy panting
  • Restlessness and agitation
  • Increased body temperature (104°F and rising)
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Muscle stiffness and tremors
  • Seizures

If a dog’s temperature reaches 108°F, the situation becomes critical and often fatal.

Timing Is Everything

If you catch your dog eating hops within 10 minutes, inducing vomiting with hydrogen peroxide may help remove the hops before they’re fully digested. However, after 10 minutes, the hops are in their system, and you’ll need to monitor them closely. The critical period is 3-6 hours post-ingestion, during which symptoms can escalate quickly. If no symptoms appear after 8-10 hours, your dog is likely in the clear—but it’s always best to consult a vet.

Where Do Dogs Encounter Hops?

Even if you’re not a homebrewer, your dog might still come across hops in unexpected places:

  • Compost heaps – Spent hops tossed in the compost can attract dogs.
  • Brewing areas – Bags of fresh or pelletized hops may be left within reach.
  • Trash bins – Dogs are drawn to the smell of spent hops soaked in wort.
  • Herbal products – Some teas and supplements contain hops.

Myths & Misconceptions About Hops and Dogs

There’s a lot of conflicting information out there about hop toxicity in dogs:

  • “Pellet hops are safe, but leaf hops are dangerous.” (Not true—both can be harmful.)
  • “Spent hops aren’t as dangerous as fresh hops.” (While boiling reduces toxicity, dogs are more likely to eat spent hops due to their flavor.)
  • “Only certain breeds are affected.” (While some breeds are more susceptible, any dog can develop hyperthermia from hops.)

What to Do If Your Dog Eats Hops

1️⃣ Act fast! If ingestion was recent, induce vomiting (if advised by your vet).
2️⃣ Watch for symptoms. If panting or overheating starts, go to the vet immediately.
3️⃣ Seek veterinary care. Treatments may include IV fluids, external cooling, anti-seizure meds, and specialized drugs to control body temperature.

Final Thoughts

With the rise of homebrewing and craft beer culture, hop poisoning cases in dogs have been increasing. Keeping hops out of reach and properly disposing of spent hops can prevent a tragedy. If you’re a brewer, a dog owner, or both, stay informed and keep your best friend safe!