Did you know grapes and raisins are harmful to dogs? One of the main ways we as pet owners show our love to our pets is by giving them food. It is common practice that when we’re eating something and our dog looks at us with those big, beautiful eyes and starts wagging their tail that we slip them a piece of whatever it is we’re eating (I admit it, I can’t resist it either!). In this day and age of being healthy and watching our weight, many people assume that this fruit is safe because they consider it to be a “healthy” snack. Unfortunately, this act of love can have harmful-- even fatal-- effects on your dog. Most people know that chocolate, onions, artificial sweeteners or macadamia nuts are harmful, but are totally unaware of the danger of grapes and raisins. I have had many clients gasp in horror when I inform them of this fact!
So what’s the big deal about grapes and raisins? Well, they can cause acute (sudden) kidney failure, which is often deadly. According to the ASPCA, grapes and raisins were on the list of the top 10 pet toxins of 2010. It is unknown how many grapes and raisins need to be eaten to cause kidney problems or which part of the fruit is poisonous. Researchers suspect fungal toxins, pesticides, heavy metals or herbicides, but the actual toxin is still unknown. Even organic or homegrown grapes are still considered dangerous. With this being said, it is unadvisable to feed these, or any foods containing them, to your pet or even leave them anywhere your pet can reach.
The main signs of toxicity by grapes and raisins are vomiting, diarrhea, jittery or agitated behavior, abdominal pain and lack of appetite or thirst. Without treatment, the kidneys will stop working and death usually ensues.
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If you suspect that your pet may have eaten as little as one grape or raisin, please take them to your veterinarian immediately! If you don’t have a vet, there are many animal hospitals in the Lawrenceville area like , and where he or she will be given aggressive treatment with IV fluids, possible induction of vomiting and activated charcoal to absorb any remaining toxin. Your pet will most likely need to be hospitalized for a few days for close monitoring. Other types of kidney medicines and medicines to control clinical signs (symptoms) may be prescribed depending on the need of the pet.
