Dogs
Potentially toxicConsulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
dog safety reference
Is Hops safe for dogs?
Humulus lupulus
Hops are fast-growing perennial vines primarily known for their use in brewing, featuring rough, lobed leaves and papery, cone-like flowers. While popular in gardens, they contain compounds that can cause severe health issues in certain pets.
Common HopHumulus lupulus
- Light
- Full sun
- Habit
- Vining
- Care
- High
Safety status
What this means for your dog
Hops are uniquely dangerous to dogs — fresh, dried, or spent (post-brewing) hops can trigger malignant hyperthermia, where body temperature rockets above 105°F and stays there. This is a true emergency: prognosis worsens fast once signs start, and home brewers' spent hops are a frequent source.
What to watch for
Heavy panting, restlessness or agitation, racing heart rate, vomiting, and red/injected gums. Body temperature can climb above 105°F (40.6°C) — even up to 108°F (42.2°C). Tremors and seizures appear in severe cases.
Time window
Onset is usually rapid — within 30–60 minutes — but signs can be delayed up to 12 hours. Once symptomatic, signs can persist 24–48 hours and prognosis is guarded if treatment is delayed.
When to call the vet
This is an emergency. Call your nearest emergency vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) immediately on any suspected hops ingestion — do not wait for symptoms. Spent hops from home brewing are just as dangerous as fresh.
Sources: ASPCA, ASPCApro, Pet Poison Helpline (no at-home first-aid — emergency vet contact only).
If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
Rapid onset of malignant hyperthermia, panting, increased heart rate, abdominal pain, and seizures.
Escalation note
Hops can cause life-threatening increases in body temperature (malignant hyperthermia) in dogs. This is a medical emergency; contact a veterinarian or emergency animal hospital immediately if ingestion occurs.
Safer alternatives
No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.
Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Hops are listed as toxic to dogs, causing malignant hyperthermia.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Humulus lupulus is a vigorous, twining perennial vine often grown for its ornamental cones and brewing utility.
Questions about Hops
Are hops toxic to dogs?
Yes, hops (Humulus lupulus) are potentially toxic to dogs and can cause life-threatening malignant hyperthermia — a dangerous spike in body temperature. This is true of both fresh hops and spent hops from home brewing, making them a serious hazard in any household where beer is made at home.
What are the symptoms of hops poisoning in dogs?
Signs typically appear within 30–60 minutes of ingestion (though they can be delayed up to 12 hours) and include heavy panting, restlessness, a racing heart rate, vomiting, abdominal pain, and red or injected gums. Body temperature can climb above 105°F and in severe cases reach 108°F, with tremors and seizures appearing as the condition worsens.
What should I do if my dog ate hops?
Call your nearest emergency vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 immediately — do not wait for symptoms to appear. Hops poisoning is a medical emergency; once a dog becomes symptomatic, signs can persist 24–48 hours and prognosis is guarded if treatment is delayed.
Are spent hops from home brewing safe for dogs?
No — spent hops from the brewing process are just as dangerous as fresh hops and should be treated as a medical emergency if ingested. Discard used hops where dogs cannot access them, and keep all hops (raw, dried, or spent) completely out of reach.
Same dog verdict
