Can dogs eat hops?
Toxic
No. Hops, including used hops from home brewing, are toxic to dogs and can cause a dangerously high fever. If your dog has eaten any, call your vet or a poison helpline now.
Also searched as: beer hops, used hops, home brewing, spent hops
If your dog ate hops
Call your vet or an animal poison helpline now, even if your dog seems well. Do not wait for symptoms.
Onset can be rapid. Call straight away, even if your dog seems well.
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We do not list a poison helpline for your country yet. Contact your own vet or the nearest emergency vet straight away.
Symptoms to watch for
- Panting
- High body temperature
- Racing heart rate
- Vomiting
- Seizures
Why it is dangerous
Hops are used to brew beer, and the used hops are often thrown away where dogs can find them. Eating them can cause a rapid, life-threatening rise in body temperature. Pet Poison Helpline notes that some breeds are at higher risk, including Greyhounds, Labrador Retrievers, Saint Bernards, Pointers, Dobermans, Border Collies and American Cocker Spaniels.
Sources
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Pet Poison Helpline: Hops
checked 8 October 2026
life-threatening high fever with clinical signs of panting, racing heart rate, vomiting, seizure, and death
including Greyhound, Labrador Retriever, Saint Bernard, Pointer breeds, Doberman, Border Collie, and American Cocker Spaniel are at higher risk for hops poisoning
-
ASPCA: Hops
checked 8 October 2026
Clinical Signs: Dogs: panting, high body temperature, seizures, death.
Last reviewed . How we check foods
This is general information, not veterinary advice. If your dog ate something concerning, contact your vet or a poison helpline immediately.