Pure vanilla extract is roughly 35% alcohol by volume.
Call a vet or poison control now. Do not wait for symptoms.
ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661. A consultation fee may apply.
Source-backed guidance. Not individualized veterinary advice.(more)
Compiled from veterinary poison-control and medical references, including the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, Pet Poison Helpline, and Merck Veterinary Manual.
Enter your dog's details for a straight answer sized to them.
Why Vanilla Extract is dangerous
Pure vanilla extract is roughly 35% alcohol by volume. Ethanol depresses the nervous system in dogs the same way it does in people, only at a much lower dose relative to body weight.
Signs to watch for
Vomiting, incoordination, disorientation, weak or slow breathing, low blood sugar
Related items
Check the exact item or ingredient before assuming two similar exposures carry the same risk.
What to do next
A drop or two mixed into baked food is generally not a concern. If your dog licked or drank straight from the bottle, call your vet: small dogs and puppies are at greatest risk.
🚨Step-by-step: what to do in the first 10 minutes →Available 24/7. A consultation fee may apply.
A closer look at vanilla extract
Pure vanilla extract is roughly 35% alcohol by volume. Ethanol depresses the nervous system in dogs the same way it does in people, only at a much lower dose relative to body weight. The details below use the specific facts for this exposure, rather than treating it like every other food question.
1. Start with the exact exposure
For a closely related comparison, read Sloppy Joes. Straight from the bottle is the real risk: the alcohol concentration is high, and even a tablespoon or two can matter for a small dog.
2. Use the facts to decide whether to monitor or call
Another helpful reference is Baking Chocolate Squares. A trace amount baked into food (which cooks off some alcohol) is usually low-risk for a large dog. Drinking from the bottle is not a home-treat situation. Any direct ingestion from the bottle, or any wobbliness, vomiting, or unusual sleepiness after exposure.
3. If the details are uncertain
Follow the first 10 minutes guide. A drop or two mixed into baked food is generally not a concern. If your dog licked or drank straight from the bottle, call your vet: small dogs and puppies are at greatest risk.
FAQ
Straight from the bottle is the real risk: the alcohol concentration is high, and even a tablespoon or two can matter for a small dog.
A trace amount baked into food (which cooks off some alcohol) is usually low-risk for a large dog. Drinking from the bottle is not a home-treat situation.
Any direct ingestion from the bottle, or any wobbliness, vomiting, or unusual sleepiness after exposure.
- Pet Poison Helpline
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: people foods to avoid feeding your pets
- Merck Veterinary Manual: food hazards