If you enjoy the tart, sweet, and fruity flavor of raisins, you might have questioned whether you could give some to your dog. Unfortunately, the answer is a resounding “no!”. Both raisins and the grapes that are used to make raisins are extremely toxic to dogs. In dogs, raisins and grapes can result in severe acute kidney failure. Read on to discover more about grape and raisin toxicity in dogs and what to do if your pet has consumed these treats.
How is grape/raisin poisoning diagnosed?
Unfortunately, grape or raisin poisoning symptoms are non-specific, and early warning signs resemble a number of conditions, such as simple dietary misconduct (eating foods that shouldn’t be eaten). Similar to kidney failure from other causes, more severe symptoms exist. If the dog has consumed grapes, raisins, currants, or if there are grape or raisin pieces in the dog’s vomit, your veterinarian will suspect poisoning.
To determine the degree of kidney damage, your veterinarian may also advise diagnostic procedures like a complete blood count (CBC), serum biochemistry profile, and urinalysis. The outcomes of the test will aid in estimating the dog’s likelihood of recovery.
What types of grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs?
Ingestion of seeded or seedless grape varieties, commercial or homegrown grapes, red or green grapes or raisins, organic or non-organic, and grape pressings from wineries has resulted in the poisoning of dogs. Foods like raisin bran cereal, trail mix, granola mix, and baked goods that contain grapes, raisins, and currants all have the potential to be poisonous. Wine, grape juice, and grape jellies don’t seem to be toxic in any way.
How many raisins can a dog eat?
The smallest amount of raisins known to have led to canine kidney failure is 0 05 ounces per pound of body weight. For grapes, it’s 0. 3 ounces per pound. However, there is a risk because veterinarians are unsure of the minimum dose that could harm the kidneys.
There are no known risk factors; any age, breed, or gender of dog is thought to be equally vulnerable to kidney failure after consuming raisins. Therefore, it’s best to refrain from giving your dog even smaller amounts to prevent potential issues.
Not all dogs appear to be vulnerable to the negative effects of raisins or grapes. There appears to be “individual sensitivity” in dogs. Some people can consume large amounts without experiencing any issues, while others become ill after only a few grapes. Unfortunately, what makes a dog susceptible remains a mystery.
FAQ
Can a dog survive eating a raisin?
Unfortunately, even consuming one grape or raisin can be fatal. Dogs who consume the fruit may experience acute (sudden) kidney failure.
What should I do if my dog eats a raisin?
Treatment of Raisin or Grape Toxicosis in Dogs Prompt decontamination of ingested contents is advised in cases of symptomatic ingestion of raisin or grape toxicosis. Administration of 3% hydrogen peroxide (2 mL/kg; no more than 45 mL), followed by activated charcoal, can cause emesis.
How long does it take for a dog to show signs of poisoning?
Some toxins result in immediate reactions, while others produce symptoms hours or days later. For example, the initial signs of antifreeze poisoning can appear in as little as 30 minutes, whereas the initial signs of chocolate poisoning take between 6 and 12 hours to manifest.