# Ruled out dating a guy who gives his dog beer? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [August 1, 2012, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ruled-out-dating-a-guy-who-gives-his-dog-beer/630070 "2012-08-01T16:38:47Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Poster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/0ea827/32.png) [@Poster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Poster)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2012, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ruled-out-dating-a-guy-who-gives-his-dog-beer/630070/21 "2012-08-01T17:19:05Z")
Well we all know how alcohol can harm the body and no, dogs cannot metabolize it as well and are more subject to side-effects like dehydration and worse. I think it’s abusive to be honest. It’s also illegal. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2012, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ruled-out-dating-a-guy-who-gives-his-dog-beer/630070/22 "2012-08-01T17:22:04Z")
> [@Poster](#): > > It’s also illegal. Cite? (Assuming the dog does not drink then drive) ---
**Author:** ![slm2955](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c6cbf5/32.png) [@slm2955](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slm2955)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2012, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ruled-out-dating-a-guy-who-gives-his-dog-beer/630070/23 "2012-08-01T17:24:39Z")
> [@Poster](#): > > Well the dog thing came first, and the thread subject line is a bit misleading because I didn’t rule him out at that point – I started talking myself out of him and looking for other signs of empathy problems. **The fact that almost every other male friend does not find Creepy friend funny, yet he loves the dude,** does make me think he has less empathy than average. Maybe he is immature and doesn’t realize it…if you are really concerned you should talk to him about it… ---
**Author:** ![Poster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/0ea827/32.png) [@Poster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Poster)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2012, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ruled-out-dating-a-guy-who-gives-his-dog-beer/630070/24 "2012-08-01T17:28:10Z")
The places I apparently read it was illegal are not credible enough sources. I think what they probably mean is that it absolutely can be cited as animal cruelty, and cruelty is illegal. It probably depends on the circumstance, but I’m not sure. Re: effects – From the ASPCA: ``` "Dogs are far more sensitive to ethanol than humans are. Even ingesting a small amount of a product containing alcohol can cause significant intoxication... Alcohol intoxication commonly causes vomiting, loss of coordination, disorientation and stupor. In severe cases, coma, seizures and death may occur..." Also: "Cultivated hops used for brewing beer have been associated with potentially life-threatening signs in dogs who have ingested them. Both fresh and spent (cooked) hops have been implicated in poisoning dogs. Affected dogs develop an uncontrollably high body temperature... which results in damage to and failure of multiple organ systems." ``` ---
**Author:** ![Robot\_Arm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robot_arm/32/18280_2.png) [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2012, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ruled-out-dating-a-guy-who-gives-his-dog-beer/630070/25 "2012-08-01T17:35:23Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > Is it a _good_ beer? If so, it’s a waste of good beer. If not, then he buys crap beer. Either way you are better off without him. It’s a craft-brewed IPA; light, and with subtle hints of cat. ---
**Author:** ![Chimera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Chimera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chimera)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2012, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ruled-out-dating-a-guy-who-gives-his-dog-beer/630070/26 "2012-08-01T17:41:02Z")
Are you sure it’s not a case of Bowser Beer? ---
**Author:** ![Simplicio](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c37758/32.png) [@Simplicio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Simplicio)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2012, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ruled-out-dating-a-guy-who-gives-his-dog-beer/630070/27 "2012-08-01T17:41:02Z")
> [@Poster](#): > > “Dogs are far more sensitive to ethanol than humans are. Even ingesting a small amount of a product containing alcohol can cause significant intoxication… Alcohol intoxication commonly causes vomiting, loss of coordination, disorientation and stupor. In severe cases, coma, seizures and death may occur…” So is the dog in question showing any of these symptoms? ---
**Author:** ![VinylTurnip](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b2d939/32.png) [@VinylTurnip](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VinylTurnip)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2012, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ruled-out-dating-a-guy-who-gives-his-dog-beer/630070/28 "2012-08-01T17:41:15Z")
> [@Sicks\_Ate](#): > > How the hell has nobody registered the name \*\*Poster \*\*before?? Good question, but the important thing is that s/he joined the board. Today. And immediately posted an OP on a hot-button subject. ---
**Author:** ![Sicks\_Ate](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/258eb7/32.png) [@Sicks\_Ate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sicks_Ate)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2012, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ruled-out-dating-a-guy-who-gives-his-dog-beer/630070/29 "2012-08-01T17:43:12Z")
> [@Simplicio](#): > > So is the dog in question showing any of these symptoms? Does it matter? Does the dog have to be in apparent physical distress for this to be considered bad practice? Vet: Why the fuck did you give your dog three beers every day for 3 years?? Owner: Well why not, it didn’t get really sick until the last month or so. ---
**Author:** ![Poster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/0ea827/32.png) [@Poster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Poster)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2012, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ruled-out-dating-a-guy-who-gives-his-dog-beer/630070/30 "2012-08-01T17:46:08Z")
> [@VinylTurnip](#): > > Good question, but the important thing is that s/he joined the board. Today. And immediately posted an OP on a hot-button subject. Uhhh paranoid much? How is this a hot-button subject when I just googled the topic and can only find 2 disappointing threads about it elsewhere, hence my posting for feedback? I have asked friends and family for their opinion but they are so similar to me that I knew they’d agree with me. I need outside opinions to know if I’m being fair. ---
**Author:** ![Simplicio](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c37758/32.png) [@Simplicio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Simplicio)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2012, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ruled-out-dating-a-guy-who-gives-his-dog-beer/630070/31 "2012-08-01T17:46:23Z")
> [@Sicks\_Ate](#): > > Does it matter? Does the dog have to be in apparent physical distress for this to be considered bad practice? > > Vet: Why the fuck did you give your dog three beers every day for 3 years?? > > Owner: Well why not, it didn’t get really sick until the last month or so. If a dog doesn’t get intoxicated the first time it has a beer, I doubt it would get intoxicated after three years of regular consumption. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2012, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ruled-out-dating-a-guy-who-gives-his-dog-beer/630070/32 "2012-08-01T17:52:42Z")
> [@Sicks\_Ate](#): > > Does it matter? Does the dog have to be in apparent physical distress for this to be considered bad practice? Bad practice /= abuse or cruelty. From a legal perspective, animal neglect, cruelty, and abuse each have precise definitions. Feeding a dog beer does not constitute neglect, cruelty, or abuse. ---
**Author:** ![SmellMyWort](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ea5d25/32.png) [@SmellMyWort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmellMyWort)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2012, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ruled-out-dating-a-guy-who-gives-his-dog-beer/630070/33 "2012-08-01T17:53:46Z")
Is it Red Dog beer? Maybe the guy is just confused. ---
**Author:** ![billfish678](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7bcc69/32.png) [@billfish678](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/billfish678)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2012, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ruled-out-dating-a-guy-who-gives-his-dog-beer/630070/34 "2012-08-01T18:00:44Z")
If I find out this dog is rich, in a wheelchair, and dating I am so out here… Now, I knew this guy that had a bullfrog named Jeramiah and some wine and to hear tell they had a good time. ---
**Author:** ![CairoCarol](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cairocarol/32/3825_2.png) [@CairoCarol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CairoCarol)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2012, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ruled-out-dating-a-guy-who-gives-his-dog-beer/630070/35 "2012-08-01T18:17:10Z")
Everyone who is focusing on the precise nature of the effects of alcohol on the dog, and whether the guy is a bad person for not judging the creepy guy, is missing the point. You don’t have to condemn the guy, although you can if you want to, in order to advise the OP. The real question is: if these behaviors/attitudes bother **Poster** , is that reason enough to dismiss him as a candidate for a romantic relationship? To that question, there is only one answer: hell, yes. It doesn’t matter what’s objectively right or wrong here. What matters is that you can probably easily divide the world into two groups: those who think giving a dog regular, generous doses of beer is fine; and those who think that’s gross and disturbing. A similar division could probably be done with respect to the creepy friend who preys on vulnerable women. The categories bespeak a fundamental difference in world view. **Poster** is on one side, and Doggie Beers is on the other. Doesn’t sound like a promising relationship to me. ---
**Author:** ![Chimera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Chimera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chimera)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2012, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ruled-out-dating-a-guy-who-gives-his-dog-beer/630070/36 "2012-08-01T18:53:13Z")
I asked before and I’ll ask again: Are you sure he was talking about regular beer, and not special dog beers - Bowser Beer being one brand. It’s non-alcoholic malt and meat flavored “beer” for dogs. ---
**Author:** ![Simple\_Linctus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Simple\_Linctus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Simple_Linctus)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2012, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ruled-out-dating-a-guy-who-gives-his-dog-beer/630070/37 "2012-08-01T18:55:17Z")
This is all a bit silly really, isn’t it? And that’s about all you can say about the man described by the OP with what we have to go on. ---
**Author:** ![Poster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/0ea827/32.png) [@Poster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Poster)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2012, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ruled-out-dating-a-guy-who-gives-his-dog-beer/630070/38 "2012-08-01T19:00:58Z")
> [@Chimera](#): > > I asked before and I’ll ask again: Are you sure he was talking about regular beer, and not special dog beers - Bowser Beer being one brand. It’s non-alcoholic malt and meat flavored “beer” for dogs. 100% sure. ---
**Author:** ![Rachellelogram](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rachellelogram/32/8689_2.png) [@Rachellelogram](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rachellelogram)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2012, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ruled-out-dating-a-guy-who-gives-his-dog-beer/630070/39 "2012-08-01T19:04:07Z")
You don’t need a reason not to date somebody. One red flag can be a dealbreaker for you, if you want it to be. This guy sounds like a douche, and based on knowing this one thing, I would not date him either. I would never date someone who gave their animals alcoholic beverages EVER, much less on a daily basis. ---
**Author:** ![hogarth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hogarth/32/1773_2.png) [@hogarth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hogarth)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2012, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ruled-out-dating-a-guy-who-gives-his-dog-beer/630070/40 "2012-08-01T19:04:34Z")
If he’s pouring the beer from the dog’s bowl back into the bottle and giving it to his dad, definitely don’t go out with him. He’s a real hosehead. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ruled-out-dating-a-guy-who-gives-his-dog-beer/630070.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ruled-out-dating-a-guy-who-gives-his-dog-beer/630070.md?page=3)