Have you ever baked a sweet treat and noticed your dog’s tail wagging for a little taste? Dogs are notoriously food-motivated, often wanting whatever it is we’re eating. But can dogs eat raisins safely? While raisins may seem harmless and even healthy for humans, they can be extremely toxic to dogs and potentially lead to life-threatening complications. Read below to learn more about the effects of raisins on dogs.
Why Raisins are a Hazard for Dogs
Raisins remain a mysterious and harmful substance for dogs. Veterinary scientists and toxicologists are still unsure of what exactly causes raisin toxicity in dogs, cats, and ferrets. The most concerning outcome is the development of acute kidney failure. Symptoms such as kidney failure, dehydration, and loss of appetite typically manifest within 24 hours of ingestion. Typically, larger dogs need to ingest more grapes than smaller dogs to be poisoned, but a lot of this can depend on the individual animal.
Raisin Poisoning
The severity of poisoning from raisins may depend on the dog’s health. After 12-24 hours of ingestion the early clinical signs include:
- Lack of appetite
- Lethargy
- Diarrhea
More severe signs appear 24-48 hours after ingestion, which fall in line of kidney failure symptoms. These symptoms include:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Bad breath
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Excessive urination
- Excessive thirst
- Abdominal pain
If professional treatment is not administered, the kidneys stop functioning and cannot produce urine. The chances of survival decrease significantly once the kidneys stop functioning properly.
Treatment
If you suspect that your pup consumed raisins, you must seek treatment immediately. Call your veterinarian and Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 for life-saving advice. Next, transport your dog to the veterinary clinic for emergency treatment. Your veterinarian will induce vomiting for decontamination and administer activated charcoal to bind the toxins. Do not attempt to induce vomiting on your own, as this can put your pup in further harm. After initial decontamination, your veterinarian will administer supportive and symptomatic care until the vital organs stabilize. If you have any questions regarding raisin poisoning in pets, call the trusted team at Pet Poison Helpline today for professional assistance.
