Summer days often call for a sweet treat, such as an oatmeal raisin cookie, but while they may be popular amongst humans, they pose far too many risks to offer them as snacks to our furry friends. Raisins are packed with vitamins and minerals beneficial for humans but can bring considerable intestinal distress in dogs – from acute renal failure all the way down to mild digestive issues. To keep your pup safe, it’s best that you steer clear of feeding them these treats!
Hidden Dangers of Raisins for Dogs
Despite the lack of concrete knowledge, it is known that raisins and related products can pose a threatening danger to dogs. Not only can they potentially trigger acute poisoning, but also milder symptoms due to their high sugar content may appear as well. The toxic component in raisins is not yet known. The effects could show up shortly after ingestion, but it can take up to three days before kidney failure sets in leading ultimately toward complete cessation of urine production if left untreated, a likely fatal condition without any reprieve once initiated.
Symptoms of Raisin Poisoning
Early signs of poisoning may present themselves within 12 to 24 hours, and can include:
- Lack of appetite
- Lethargy
- Diarrhea
More serious signs, like acute kidney failure, can appear within 24 to 48 hours. These symptoms may include:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Bad breath
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Excessive urination
- Excessive thirst
- Abdominal pain
If your dog does not receive treatment, the kidneys will stop functioning and no longer produce urine. This will greatly reduce the chances of survival.
Treatment
If you suspect your dog has been poisoned by raisins, time is of the essence. Don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian and Pet Poison Helpline® at (855) 764-7661 immediately. Your vet may take steps such as inducing vomiting and administering activated charcoal to remove toxins from their system before any further assessment takes place – like urinalysis & blood biochemistries analysis – so they can determine the severity of the poisoning. In more extreme cases, hospitalization with IV fluids may be necessary over a period of 24-48 hours in order to prevent kidney failure during this delicate crisis; rest assured that the team at Pet Poison Helpline® are ready and well prepared for such situations and will provide expert help every step of the way.
