Grapes and raisins are a delicious and popular treat in the summer. They are easy to grab and pack, making them a popular fruit snack going camping, at picnics, and at gatherings. They’re also a popular ingredient to add to baked goods and dishes. It’s easy to forget ourselves and throw our pups a snack when we’re going about our day. Especially since dogs can eat other fruits and vegetables, grapes and raisins seem harmless. However, despite these snacks being so quick and delicious to us, these snacks can be deadly for our canine friends. Grapes and raisins look harmless, but even the smallest amount can affect our dogs. Continue reading to learn more about the dangers of raisin and grape ingestion in dogs.
How do Raisins and Grapes Affect Dogs?
Raisins and grapes are toxic to dogs. We know that ingesting a large amount of the fruit can have deadly effects on our dogs. Our dogs cannot metabolize the composition of a raisin or grape. This leads to digestive issues, and a series of chemical reactions in their body can lead to organ failure, especially the kidneys, and death. Any amount of raisins and grapes consumed should be taken seriously, and you should take your dog to the vet right away.
Signs and Symptoms
It might take some time for symptoms to develop in dogs if they ate some raisins or grapes, depending on the amount they have eaten. Typically signs of raisin or grape ingestion occur between 12-24 hours after being consumed. These symptoms include: increased drinking and/or urination, or the opposite, decreased urination and dehydration, loss of appetite, general weakness, sedentary behavior, and bad breath can be an indicator as well. Some reactions in dogs may be more immediate. Dogs may vomit or have diarrhea a few hours after ingestion. If you notice this behavior, we strongly recommend you inspect the excrement to see if there are pieces of raisin or grapes in which they regurgitate. It’s essential to have them looked at and checked if the toxins are out of their system. Please take your dog to the vet right away if you find some.
What to do if your dog ate a Grape or Raisin
Getting your dog to a vet should be your priority. If your dog eats a grape or a raisin, observe them constantly. Ingesting a toxic substance should be treated as an emergency. Calling your vet or the emergency vet line should be the first thing you do to follow their instructions. If no vets are available in your area, you can also call the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.
Observe your dog to see if they have trouble breathing, are distressed, vomit, or fall unconscious. These will be behaviors that your vet will ask about. Once you reach the vet, the decontamination process will begin to induce vomiting, so your dog’s stomach does not absorb any toxins from the grapes or raisins. Your dog may be at the vet for a few days to monitor their blood work and ensure their organs are unaffected by the toxin they ingested.
Prevention is Best
Food poisoning and any type of pet emergency are scary. As responsible pet owners, we must educate ourselves on the dangers of raisin and grape ingestion in dogs. This is a toxic substance for dogs and can have life-threatening effects. Before giving your dog any food you are unsure about, please do your research and ask your vet. Follow our social media for more helpful pet care blogs from Luv My Sitter.