Raisins are a tasty and nutritious snack enjoyed by people all over the world, but they pose a serious health risk to our canine companions. Eating even just a few raisins can be highly toxic to dogs, so it is important to keep these fruits away from our furry friends to ensure their safety. Products that contain raisins can be dangerous as well. Let’s make sure our four-legged family members stay healthy and happy by keeping raisins out of their reach. Read below to learn more about the dangers of dogs eating raisins and what to do if it happens.
Raisins and Dogs: A Hazardous Combination
It is a mystery why raisins are so hazardous to dogs, but it is certain that the effects can be devastating. Eating even just a few raisins can be highly toxic to dogs, leading to a whole host of dangerous symptoms and even kidney failure. Dogs will start to experience symptoms like dehydration, loss of appetite, and potential kidney failure within 24 hours of consuming raisins. If your pup has eaten raisins, it’s an emergency and you need to seek medical help right away.
Symptoms of Raisin Toxicity
The severity of poisoning from raisins can depend on the dog’s health and size. After 12-24 hours of ingestion the early clinical signs of poisoning 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, which significantly decreases the chances of survival.
Treatment for Raisin Toxicity
It’s an emergency if your dog has eaten raisins and you need to take immediate action. It could result in life or death for your dog if you decide to wait. Take your dog to a veterinary clinic and contact Pet Poison Helpline® at (855) 764-7661 for specialized advice. Do not attempt to induce vomiting on your own, as this could worsen the situation. Depending on when the raisins were ingested, your vet will likely begin by inducing vomiting to decontaminate the system and then administer activated charcoal to bind the remaining toxins. After decontamination, your vet will provide supportive care while monitoring your pet until all systems are stabilized. In a time of crisis, trust the experts and call Pet Poison Helpline® for life-saving advice.
