Grapes are a popular snack among humans, but are they safe for our canine companions? While some animals can safely enjoy eating grapes, dogs should stay away from them. Grapes can cause severe reactions in dogs. If you’re a dog owner, it’s important to know the facts about dogs and grapes. To learn more about the risks of grapes for dogs and how to recognize signs of toxicity, continue reading below.
Why are Grapes Dangerous?
Researchers do not know how grapes exactly poison dogs. Regardless, dog owners should know grapes and raisin products are dangerous to dogs. Not every dog will exhibit the same symptoms. Grape toxicity can lead to acute kidney failure and lack of urine production in dogs. This can cause dehydration and further complicated matters, as there is no specific antidote for this condition and supportive care is the only viable therapy. It can take up to three days for symptoms to appear. By this time, your dog may be in severe danger. After you immediately suspect that your dog ate grapes, you need to seek medical attention.
Clinical Signs of Poisoning
The amount of grapes needed to cause poisoning in dogs can vary from dog to dog. A larger dog may ingest a certain number of grapes and only experience mild symptoms, a small dog could eat the same amount and face more serious consequences. If your dog has eaten grapes, it is important to monitor them closely for any signs of toxicity and seek medical help immediately. Possible symptoms include:
- Dehydration
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Bad breath
- Lack of appetite
- Increased heart rate
- Excessive thirst
- Excessive urination
Treatment for Grape Poisoning
If your dog has ingested grapes, raisins, or snacks made with these products, it is important to seek medical help as soon as possible. Contact Pet Poison Helpline® at (855) 764-7661 for possible first aid measures or visit your veterinarian immediately. Treatment may include inducing vomiting, administering activated charcoal and IV fluids. In severe cases, your veterinarian may also need to put your pet on a dialysis machine to support the kidneys and use furosemide to stimulate urine formation. It is important to act quickly to reduce the risk of serious health complications. Your veterinarian will have further information on your dog’s recovery.
