Grapes And Raisins Are Toxic To Dogs

Dog parents want to share everything with their furry family member, including tasty snacks. However, some foods that seem harmless can actually be toxic for dogs. Grapes and raisins are among the most toxic foods your canine companion can eat.

Scientists have recently discovered that tartaric acid and its salt form are likely the toxic parts of grapes and raisins. These chemicals are found in high amounts in fresh grapes, raisins, sultanas, and Zante currants. The scary part is that we don’t know exactly how many grapes or raisins will make a dog sick. Some dogs might get very ill from just a few grapes, while others might eat more and show fewer signs. Because we can’t predict which dogs will be affected, any amount should be treated as dangerous.

The main concern is acute kidney injury, which can be life-threatening. Signs usually show up within 6 to 24 hours after your dog eats grapes or raisins. Watch for these early warning signs:

• Vomiting (this happens most often)
• Diarrhea
• Not wanting to eat
• Being very tired
• Drooling more than usual
• Belly pain

If the poisoning gets worse over 1 to 3 days, you might notice:

• Drinking and urinating much more than normal
• Weakness or trouble walking
• Swollen legs
• Shaking or seizures
• Unable to urinate at all

If your dog eats any grapes or raisins, don’t wait to see if symptoms appear. Call your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately. You can also contact these poison control hotlines:

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
• Pet Poison Helpline

Tell them exactly what your dog ate, how much, and when it happened. Time is very important because early treatment gives your dog the best chance of recovery.

There’s no specific cure for grape poisoning, so treatment focuses on getting the fruit out of your dog’s system and supporting their body while it heals. Your vet might make your dog vomit and give IV fluids in the hospital. Dogs need careful monitoring for at least two days with blood tests to check kidney function.

The good news is that dogs who get treatment quickly and never develop symptoms usually do very well. However, once kidney problems start, the situation becomes more serious.

Prevention is always better than treatment. Never give your dog grapes, raisins, or foods containing them. Keep these foods stored safely away from curious noses, and make sure your trash cans are secure.