Hops Toxicity in Dogs: A Hidden Danger for Home Brewers and Beer Lovers

Homebrewing is a growing hobby in Australia, and many dog owners enjoy crafting their own beer at home. But did you know that hops, a key ingredient in beer, can be highly toxic to dogs?

We recently heard from one of our past puppy school graduates’ owners, whose dog, Luther, ended up in ICU after ingesting hops. Thankfully, he is receiving the best care, but his owners had no idea that hops were dangerous—a common issue that many pet owners face.

What Are Hops and Why Are They Dangerous?

Hops come from the plant Humulus lupulus and are used to flavour and stabilise beer. They can be found in various forms, including:

✅ Fresh hops

✅ Dried flowers

✅ Pellets

✅ Spent hops (used hops from brewing)

While all these forms are safe for humans, they can be deadly for dogs. When a dog ingests hops, they can develop a severe condition called malignant hyperthermia—a rapid and life-threatening rise in body temperature.

How Does Hops Poisoning Affect Dogs?

A dog’s normal body temperature sits between 38–39°C. However, hops poisoning can cause their temperature to spike dangerously high—above 41.5°C, which is life-threatening.

Ingesting hops can also trigger a range of other serious symptoms:

🚨 Heavy panting or rapid breathing

🚨 Agitation or restlessness

🚨 Vomiting or diarrhoea

🚨 Increased heart rate

🚨 Seizures or collapse

Symptoms can appear within 30 minutes, but in some cases, they can be delayed up to 8 hours. Even a small amount of hops can be deadly, and unfortunately, once symptoms start, the condition progresses quickly.

Which Dogs Are Most at Risk?

While any dog can be affected, certain breeds are more prone to malignant hyperthermia, including:

🔹 Greyhounds

🔹 Border Collies

🔹 Labrador Retrievers

🔹 Dobermans

🔹 Other lean-bodied breeds

However, hops poisoning can affect any dog, regardless of breed, size, or age.

What Should You Do If Your Dog Eats Hops?

If you suspect your dog has ingested hops, act fast—this is a medical emergency!

🏥 Get to a vet immediately. The sooner treatment begins, the better the chances of recovery.

🌡️ Monitor your dog’s temperature. If possible, use a pet thermometer to check for a rapid increase.

💧 Do not attempt home treatments. Cooling your dog down incorrectly can cause shock—only a vet can provide safe treatment.

📞 Call ahead. If you’re on the way to a vet clinic, call them to let them know you’re coming with a hops poisoning case.

At the vet, your dog will receive immediate supportive care to lower their body temperature, stabilise their condition, and prevent further complications.

How to Keep Your Dog Safe from Hops Poisoning

If you brew beer at home or know someone who does, take these precautions to prevent accidental poisoning:

✅ Store hops securely – Keep them in airtight, pet-proof containers well out of reach.

✅ Dispose of spent hops safely – Dogs can be drawn to the smell of spent hops, so make sure they’re discarded in a sealed bin or compost system that pets cannot access.

✅ Supervise dogs near brewing areas – If you’re brewing at home, keep your dog out of the brewing space to prevent accidental ingestion.

✅ Warn friends and family – If you visit a homebrewer or a pet-friendly brewery, check that no hops are left where dogs can reach them.

Why We’re Sharing This Information

Luther’s owners had no idea hops were toxic to dogs—and they’re not alone. Many pet owners are unaware of the dangers, which is why we’re sharing this important message.

If you brew beer at home, or if you know someone who does, please share this post. Spreading awareness could save a dog’s life.

For more pet safety tips, dog training advice, and behaviour support, follow Jordan Dog Training.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this post is intended as a general guide only. If your dog has ingested hops or is showing symptoms of toxicity, seek immediate veterinary attention. Jordan Dog Training provides education on dog safety and behaviour but does not offer veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian for medical concerns.