Canines love to snack on human food. But as pet parents, it is your responsibility to remain vigilant of what to serve your pooch and what can be toxic for them. When it comes to grapes and raisins, it is essential to be aware that these fruits can cause serious illness even if consumed in a small quantity. They are unsafe for dogs irrespective of their life stage, breed and gender. In this blog, we will shed light on further details of grape and raisin toxicity in dogs that you as a pet parent should be aware of.

Why can’t dogs eat grapes and raisins?

According to the latest studies, the tartaric acid present in grapes and raisins causes toxicity. Experts state that the fruits mainly affect dogs’ kidneys.

Due to varying amounts of toxins in raisins and grapes, it cannot be determined how many of them can lead to a toxic dose. While some dogs can suffer from kidney failure even after consuming a small amount, others will not show symptoms even after eating a lot more.

Signs and symptoms of grape and raisin toxicity

The most common symptoms of grape and raisin toxicity are:

• Upset stomach
• Vomiting and/ or diarrhoea shortly after intake
• Dehydration (signs include panting, pale gums and dry nose and mouth)
• Abdominal pain (tender when touched)
• Loss of appetite
• Increased water intake or urination
• Shaking or wobbliness
• Unusual stillness, weakness and lethargy
• Depression
• Kidney failure

What to do if your dog consumes grapes or raisins?

Grape or raisin poisoning generally starts showing symptoms within six to twelve hours of ingestion. However, if your dog accidentally ingests these fruits, do not wait for symptoms to appear and get in touch with the vet at your earliest opportunity. If left untreated, your furball may suffer from a life-threatening kidney ailment.

The vet may instruct you to induce vomiting to eliminate the ingested fruits. However, you should never try to induce vomiting if your pooch exhibits signs of distress, has trouble breathing or is unconscious. Once you or your vet have successfully decontaminated your dog, treatments like intravenous fluids may be prescribed to support or protect the kidneys. Your pal may also need drugs to subside nausea, control blood pressure and maintain blood flow to the kidneys.

If you need assistance with consulting a vet, you can always try Pawsandpaws.com’s 'Consult a Vet' service.

How to prevent grape and raisin toxicity?

In order to ensure the safety of your dog and prevent grape and raisin poisoning, you will have to see to it that your canine baby doesn’t consume the fruits as well as the following food items that are related to them or have them as ingredients:

• Wine
• Grape juice
• Jam
• Jelly
• Hot cross buns
• Raisin bagels
• Fruit cake
• Cookies
• Currants
• Sultanas

Wrapping Up

As a dog parent, you should always remain watchful of what your furry friend is consuming and ensure it doesn’t consume grapes and raisins even in small quantities. By remaining cautious, you will be able to make sure the safety and good health of your canine companion. But if your pet has accidentally consumed the toxic fruits, do not waste time and immediately get in touch with a vet.