Is Hops Safe for Dogs and Cats?

Hops (*Humulus lupulus*) are the flowers (also called seed cones) of the hop vine, primarily used as a bittering and flavoring agent in beer. While hops are completely safe and non-toxic to cats, they are highly toxic and potentially lethal to dogs. Ingesting hops—whether fresh, dried, or spent residues from home brewing—triggers a dangerous condition in dogs called malignant hyperthermia. This is characterized by a rapid and uncontrollable increase in body temperature, often exceeding 105°F (40.5°C), which leads to panting, elevated heart rate, vomiting, seizures, and systemic organ failure. Greyhounds, Labrador Retrievers, and other large breeds appear to be particularly susceptible. Because malignant hyperthermia can escalate to death within a few hours, immediate veterinary intervention, intensive cooling therapies, and supportive care are mandatory. Cats do not experience this reaction and are not clinically affected by hop cones.