Raisins are dried fruits derived from the dehydration of grapes. They make great snacks on their own and are enjoyed around the world. It’s a shame that our beloved canine pals can’t enjoy that same yummy and nutritious snack. Sadly, raisins are highly toxic to dogs and can pose serious health risks. Therefore, it is important to keep raisins out of reach of our furry friends to ensure their safety and wellbeing.
The Dangers of Feeding Raisins to Dogs
Veterinarians and toxicologists are still uncertain as to why raisins can be so dangerous to our four-legged friends. The most worrying side effect is that raisins can cause acute kidney failure. Dogs will start to experience symptoms such as dehydration, loss of appetite, and kidney failure within 24 hours of eating raisins. It is an emergency if your dog eats raisins, and you need to seek medical help immediately.
Symptoms of Raisin Toxicity
The severity of poisoning from raisins may depend on the dog’s health and size. 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 is due to kidney failure. These symptoms include:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Bad breath
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Excessive urination
- Excessive thirst
- Abdominal pain
If left untreated, the kidneys will eventually cease to produce urine, significantly decreasing the chances of survival.
What To Do if Your Dog Eats Raisins
If your dog has ingested raisins, it is essential to take quick action. Immediately take your pet to a veterinary clinic and contact Pet Poison Helpline® at (855) 764-7661 for specialized advice. Never attempt to induce vomiting on your own, as this could worsen the situation. At the clinic, your vet will likely begin by inducing vomiting to rid your pet of the toxins. Then, activated charcoal will be administered to absorb the remaining toxins. After decontamination, your vet will provide supportive care while monitoring your pet until all body systems have stabilized. In an emergency, trust the experts and contact Pet Poison Helpline® for life-saving advice.
