Grape compounds responsible for poisoning with grapes and raisins in puppies and their toxicity mechanisms have not yet been updated. We only know that grapes are responsible for the poisoning, which is quite unpredictable in dogs.
Grapes and raisins are healthy snacks for us, but did you know that they can be deadly for your dog, even if these products are consumed in small quantities?
Below I will tell you more about the toxicity of grapes or raisins in dogs and what to do if you suspect that your fur would have eaten this dangerous snack.
CONTENT:
- Why are grapes and raisins toxic to my dog?
- What is the toxic dose?
- What should I do if my dog has eaten these foods?
- How can I prevent this?
- Other tips
Why are grapes and raisins toxic to my dog?
Over the years, it has been speculated that the toxicity of these fruits is due to a mycotoxin (a toxic substance produced by a fungus or mold) or a salicylate drug (similar to aspirin) that is found naturally in grapes, resulting in a decreased flow blood to the kidneys if it is consumed by your dog.
More recently, tartaric acid has been thought to be the cause. However, to date, no specific toxic agents have been clearly identified. As it is not clear why these fruits are toxic, any exposure should be a cause for concern.
Some dogs appear to be more susceptible and can develop serious, life-threatening illnesses after ingesting small amounts of grapes or raisins. There have been cases where dogs of various ages have eaten grapes or raisins without developing any signs of toxicity. For this reason, I always recommend that you take care.
Never feed your dog any grapes or raisins!
What is the toxic dose?
Unfortunately, there is no well-established toxic dose for any of these fruits, but there are two principles to keep in mind:
- Dogs are more likely to be poisoned if they ingest large amounts of these fruits.
- There is individual sensitivity in dogs. Some dogs seem to tolerate small doses of fruit without developing signs of intoxication, while other dogs may develop severe signs of intoxication after eating only a few grapes or raisins. At this time, there is no way to predict which dogs may be more sensitive.
What should I do if my dog has eaten these foods?
Even small amounts of grapes or raisins can cause life-threatening diseases. For example, a 20-pound dog that eats only 85 grams of grapes or raisins can develop fatal kidney failure.
The best thing to do if your dog has eaten grapes or raisins is to take him to your veterinarian or to the nearest emergency room to cause vomiting immediately. This will help remove as many raisins or grapes as possible from the body. At least 48 hours of intravenous fluids are usually recommended for kidney support. Your veterinarian will perform blood tests and urine tests to assess your response to treatment.
If the kidney values are within normal parameters, within 48 hours of starting treatment, it can often be sent home. If your kidneys are abnormal, additional hospitalization may be needed.
How can I prevent this?
To prevent poisoning with grapes and raisins you need to keep them or foods containing these fruits in places that are hard to reach your dog. Never feed products that may contain grapes or raisins, and especially do not use grapes as rewards for your dog.
Since there are still many unknowns associated with this poisoning, it is better not to take any risks regarding the health of your dog. As with any toxin, the sooner the poison is diagnosed and treated, the less dangerous it will be for your dog and the less expensive the therapy.
Other tips
If your dog has ingested a raisin cake or a raisin-containing pastry, seek medical advice immediately. Your dog may also be at risk for illness if certain artificial sweeteners, such as xylitol, have been used.
A very important thing is that when you go to the office with your fur in case it has ingested grapes or raisins, to give the veterinarian all the details regarding the amount ingested, how long it has been since ingesting if it shows changes in concerns the general condition. This will help your veterinarian know what additional treatments may be needed.
