Hops is toxic to dogs! Did you know that? I just learned this myself.
The reason that hops is toxic for dogs is that if they ingest even a few ounces of the product, it can cause what’s called malignant hyperthermia, which is a tricky term for severe & rapid overheating. This malignant hyperthermia condition causes panting, vomiting, abdominal pain and seizures. This can be followed by death within a very short time period.
At this time, there is no treatment available for this condition.
What this means is that you are a home beer brewer, you need to make sure you keep your hops pellets and spent hops inside sealed containers and out of reach of “man’s best friend.” That means not only sealed, but placed up high and physically out of reach.
Don’t even think about putting any composted spent hops anywhere that a dog can get to because hops flavored with malt may be particularly attractive to dogs.
Like noted, the malignant hyperthermia comes on fast and by the time overheating begins and symptoms manifest, progression to death is rapid and untreatable.
In other words, hops can kill dogs quickly and painfully.
Adobe Animal Hospital on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/adobeanimalhospital
It’s a great place with a top-notch staff and has been featured in local Bay Area newscasts and such.
