Diagnosis is based on a history of exposure to grapes or raisins and the development of acute kidney failure. No specific diagnostic test exists for grape and raisin toxicity. How is grape and raisin toxicity diagnosed? Nobody knows the patient's risk factors (besides ingestion). Many species can consume significant amounts of grapes or raisins without issue. Not every dog or cat is affected by grapes and raisins. Because every dog has a different threshold to toxicity when it comes to grapes and raisins, you should assume that any amount of grape or raisin ingestion can be toxic and harmful to dogs of any bodyweight. However, the toxic dose definition is presently shifting, with lower doses now considered to be harmful. Therefore, the toxic dose of grapes for a 10kg dog would be 7 ounces or 35 grapes. An average-sized seedless grape weighs approximately 0.2 ounces. Symptoms of grape toxicity have been reported with ingestion of 0.7 oz/kg of grapes and 0.11 oz/kg that of raisins. How many grapes or raisins can your dog eat and what is the toxic dose? The exact toxin has yet to be identified but it appears dogs are the most at risk compared to other species such as cats. The toxin in grapes and raisins is nephrotoxic, which can lead to kidney failure in dogs. The sooner your pet is seen and treated, the better the outcome.Why are grapes and raisins toxic for dogs? If you are at all concerned your dog could have eaten any of these, contact your veterinary practice immediately. Grapes and raisins are a big no-no! Keep any grapes, raisins, sultanas, or any products containing these well out of reach of your pet. Festive periods often tend to be a busy time for vet practices due to dogs pinching Christmas cakes, mince pies and hot cross buns! Treat ingestion of any of these just as seriously as if your dog was to have eaten some chocolate and speak to your vet ASAP. Of course, raisins and sultanas are dried grapes and therefore are still toxic to dogs – in fact, probably more toxic than fresh grapes! Remember that raisins may be found as ingredients in other things, such as cakes and biscuits, so veterinary attention is required if your dog manages to pinch any of these too. In the most severe cases, dogs can still die despite appropriate veterinary care. A blood and urine test can also help to check kidney function and this may need to be regularly monitored. If your vets are concerned that there is further damage, they may recommend hospitalisation for intravenous fluid therapy (“a drip”), medication and further monitoring. They may also give you some activated charcoal (a lovely messy black liquid!) that further aids in stopping any intestinal absorption.
![my dog ate a grape my dog ate a grape](https://www.vetguru.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/can-dogs-eat-grapes.jpg)
If your dog has eaten grapes recently, the best thing the vet can do is make your dog vomit them back up so that they are not digested. Luckily, this very rarely happens! What can the vets do? In this case, emergency veterinary attention is required but prognosis is guarded. If any less severe signs are missed or ignored, it is possible for dogs to go into shock if severely affected and as the kidneys shut down, may stop producing urine altogether. Severe vomiting tends to be the first presenting sign and also the most common associated with grape poisoning. These are likely to develop in 12-24 hours after consumption. The following may be associated with grape ingestion. Regardless of how many have been consumed, it is still safest to contact your veterinary practice. It is also likely that the toxic dose will vary between individual dogs. The more that are eaten, the more likely they are to cause a problem. Therefore, in theory, any amount of grapes ingested could lead to severe damage – even just one. New research suggests it could be the presence of tartaric acid in grapes that is the cause of kidney failure. Why are grapes poisonous?įor a long time, it’s been unknown exactly what causes this to happen, with many theories presented. This can ultimately be fatal if left untreated. It is best not to wait around as illness can become more severe if left untreated.Ī dog that has ingested grapes can become very poorly, starting with gastrointestinal signs that may possibly progress to acute renal failure – essentially, their kidneys will begin to shut down. While grapes are a healthy snack for humans, unfortunately grapes are one of those things that dogs cannot eat without the possibility of severe consequences. The simple answer is… go to your vet immediately
![my dog ate a grape my dog ate a grape](https://i.redd.it/jggs9yysn9m01.jpg)