Can Dogs Tell When You’re Drunk?

Dog owners, in particular, know that man’s best friend is especially perceptive. Our dogs know when we’re in a good mood and when we’re feeling down. However, can dogs tell when you’re drunk? While this may seem like a funny question, considering that alcoholism is one of the most common problems ailing Americans today, it’s not so odd to ask. Today, we’re looking into whether dogs can sense drunkenness and how heavy drinking or alcoholism can impact your ability to care for your furry friend properly.

What Are the Effects of Being Drunk?

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, more than 86% of U.S. adults over the age of 18 have reported that they’ve drunk alcohol at some point in their lives. Research also shows that more than 6% of adults in the U.S. have an alcohol use disorder, which equates to roughly 1 in 12 men and 1 in 25 women. What’s more, over 95,000 people die from alcohol-related causes in the U.S. every year, making it the third leading preventable cause of death in the country.

With this in mind, it’s no surprise that many people in the U.S. have experienced being drunk before. And while many claim that alcohol is necessary for having a good time, it’s also no secret that the hangover that follows intoxication is no walk in the park.

As you drink alcohol, it goes into your bloodstream and affects the central nervous system as well as various functions. When you drink a lot, any mild side effects of alcohol are intensified.

Alcohol works by stimulating the neurotransmitter GABA. GABA is an inhibitory chemical messenger that slows down certain functions in the body, contributing to relaxation and sedation. This chemical is the main reason why people feel relaxed or sleepy when they drink.

However, when consumed in excess, particularly consuming enough alcohol to get drunk, alcohol can severely impact your judgment, perception, concentration, coordination, and mood.

Other common effects of being drunk include:

• Blacking out
• Difficulty breathing
• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Impaired judgment
• Impaired memory
• Loss of coordination
• Nausea
• Slowed heart rate
• Slurred speech
• Vomiting

The more alcohol is consumed, the more intense these side effects will be. Additionally, being drunk can also lead to other dangers, including seizures, severe dehydration, injuries, vomiting, coma, and even death. It can be helpful to be aware of the signs of being drunk, so you can avoid possibly harming yourself and be prepared to help others.

Can Dogs Tell When You’re Drunk or Intoxicated?

Yes, dogs can tell when you’re drunk. In simple terms, dogs can tell you’re drunk through body language, smell, behavior, and changes in routine. Dogs are very attuned to our every move, which is one of the most amazing aspects of the human-dog bond.

You Smell Different

When it comes to smell, it’s no secret that dogs have a much better sense of smell than we do. Some can even sniff out cancer or figure out when someone is pregnant based on the scents caused by a shift in hormones. For this reason, it’s no surprise that dogs can smell alcohol.

Therefore, the way you smell is the biggest giveaway that you’ve been drinking. While drinking a bit may just leave a smell on your breath, heavy drinking can lead to a heavy odor that exudes from your sweat and pores, which your dog can, of course, sniff out. If you get to this point, your dog may even avoid you a bit simply because your usual smell has changed.

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