A dog who became addicted to alcohol when his owner left out drinks before going to sleep is now sober after undergoing treatment.
A two-year-old Labrador cross named Coco was taken to Woodside Animal Rescue Trust in Plympton, Devon, with another dog after their owner died.
Staff at the rescue centre said the dogs needed emergency care as they suffered from fits and showed signs of alcohol withdrawal.
The other dog later died, but Coco recovered after being treated and during that time, he remained under sedation for four weeks to avoid suffering any fits.
Vets said witnessing a dog with alcohol withdrawal was "a first" for them.
Woodside Animal Welfare Trust said Coco is not yet ready for adoption and despite recovering physically, he appears to still be "very anxious" at times.
The centre said Coco has been cared for away from the main kennels and moved to a special unit which allowed him to stay in "a more homely environment".
The animal centre wrote on Facebook: "We would like to introduce you to the newest member of Dunroamin Special Care Unit, a lovely boy called Coco. Coco has been with us for over a month, having required intensive care since arriving. His story is a tragic one and evidences how vital our special care unit is.
"After arriving with his canine pal following the death of his owner, he and his companion became quickly unwell. Coco's friend was repeatedly fitting and soon after Coco also started to fit.
"Thankfully a vet was on site at the time and was able to administer emergency care but sadly Coco's friend passed away despite our best efforts.
"Coco continued to be seriously unwell and required round-the-clock care. It became clear that he was suffering from symptoms that all pointed to alcohol withdrawal. He spent four weeks sedated to help with his withdrawal symptoms and to reduce the risk of further fits."
The centre added: "We are so thankful that we are now out of danger and Coco is off all medication and is now starting to behave like a normal dog. He is not yet ready for adoption and whilst physically he seems to have recovered, mentally he is still very anxious at times.
"Having the Dunroamin Unit has meant he has been able to be cared for in a more homely environment and away from the main kennels. This has most certainly made a difference to his recovery and overall well-being.
"No one knows the specifics on how these dogs got into the situation with alcohol but we do know that without our care Coco would likely have not survived this heartbreaking ordeal.
"Please support our Dunroamin unit and help dogs like Coco. Sponsorship costs just £5 a month and sponsors receive regular updates from the unit and lovely welcome pack. For more information or to join please visit https://www.woodsidesanctuary.org.uk/sponsor-us/."
Alcohol is toxic for dogs and even a little beer can cause alcohol poisoning, especially in small puppies. It can be absorbed into pet's bodies in as little as 30 minutes, explains Wag Walking.
The website adds: "Most cases of alcohol poisoning in canines results from the ingestion of alcoholic drinks left unattended or spilled, though our pets are curious by nature and can easily become poisoned by ingesting other types such as hand sanitiser and antifreeze."
The main symptoms of alcohol poisoning in dogs are vomiting, disorientation, loss of bodily control, difficulty breathing, diarrhoea and hypersalivation.
It needs urgent medical attention and recovery can take time as alcohol affects the brain of an animal first, then the respiratory system, followed by the cardiovascular system.
