Fresh or frozen, grapes can make a delicious treat — for humans. Dogs, on the other hand, need to avoid grapes at all costs. It doesn’t matter if they’re freshly picked fruits or dried into raisins, this otherwise harmless fruit contains a substance that can really make your pup super sick. Here’s what you need to know to keep your dog safe.
Dogs Should Never, Ever Eat Grapes
Time for a truth bomb: while grapes are incredibly toxic to dogs, scientists don’t actually have even a little bit of a clue why they are so harmful. They know there is a substance in the grapes that makes dogs ill, but they don’t know what (or what combination) of substances actually cases the negative reaction. All they have really been able to do is rule out associated grape fungi, heavy metals, or pesticide issues from the growth of the grapes. Scientists are confident these outside sources are not the cause; instead, they believe the problem lies inside the grape itself.
The other issue is that it isn’t easy to identify which dogs will have a reaction to eating grapes. Some dogs get sick and some do not, and there isn’t really a predictive pattern regarding breed or the size of your pup. Some pets might become ill after just one or two grapes; others tolerate half a bundle after stealing them from the counter. The unknown possibility certainly makes it an undesirable risk to give your pup grapes as a treat, full-stop.
But raisins are smaller, so they’re OK, right? Wrong. A raisin is really just a dried grape, and that means they contain the very same problematic compounds. As a matter of fact, some people think they’re even more dangerous because they’re a smaller size and the dog may eat more of them if given the chance.
What happens to dogs who do react to grapes? If they have a reaction, they’ll begin to display signs of illness similar to what they may show after ingesting other toxins. Some pups experience nondescript initial symptoms of feeling “unwell” without any specific affect (like general malaise).
The major concern with ingesting grapes is that they can cause sudden kidney failure. Assuming your mildly unwell dog with diarrhea will recover can be extremely dangerous because kidney failure symptoms don’t often manifest until it’s too late.
Symptoms of Grape & Raisin Poisoning in Dogs
The symptoms of grape toxicity might be similar to what you’d see during another illness. It can be extremely hard to tell why your dog is feeling poorly. It’s important to call your vet immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Your dog stops eating or has a poor appetite.
- Your pup isn’t drinking and/or is displaying symptoms of canine dehydration (dry nose, pale gums, panting, or weakness).
- Your dog vomits or has diarrhea (or both). This may start anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours after ingestion.
- Your dog experiences lethargy and stillness. This is more than just lazing around on the couch all day.
- Your dog seems to display symptoms of abdominal pain (to the touch). He may also be whining or moaning from pain.
- Your dog stops urinating. This is a major sign of kidney failure.
It is worth mentioning that all of these symptoms can be caused by other illnesses. Getting a diagnosis quickly is paramount, so don’t hold off the vet. It’s better to go and have the vet tell you your dog is simply being a lazy-butt than to risk missing something until it’s too late. Trust your gut!
Other Potentially Toxic Foods Dogs Should Avoid
Grapes and raisins aren’t the only foods toxic to dogs. While it may be tempting to slip your dog a treat once in a while, you need to make sure they aren’t receiving any of the items on this list.
- Any food labeled as “sugar free.” This is especially true when it comes to candies and chewing gum. A lot of candies use Xylitol as an artificial sweetener. While sugar alternatives aren’t good for dogs in general, Xylitol is known to be especially poisonous. It will tank your dogs blood sugar levels and has the potential to cause liver failure.
- Onions and garlic. These are common ingredients in a lot of household dishes. It doesn’t matter if it’s fresh or in a powdered seasoning form; it’s still no bueno for your pup. These foods and seasonings alter your dog’s red blood cells, causing severe forms of anemia that can be deadly if they aren’t treated. Also, don’t believe anyone who tells you that garlic can cure a flea problem. That’s a common myth with no basis in reality.
- Chocolate may not be as dangerous as some other foods, but it’s still something to completely avoid. The general rule of thumb is that the darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it can be. This is because it’s the cocoa itself that is dangerous – not the pure sugar or dairy ingredients in milk chocolates. It’s also important to remember that smaller dogs are more likely to become ill than larger dogs simply because a piece of chocolate represents a larger dose to them.
- Macadamia nuts. This one is weird, too. No one knows why they make dogs ill, but they often do cause nausea, vomiting, and even convulsions. They are commonly dipped in dark chocolate, though, so the risk with that type of treat is doubly concerning..
- Dogs are attracted to sweets, so keep those mixed drinks and cocktails out of reach to avoid temptation. Alcohol poisoning can cause diarrhea, vomiting, tremors, trouble breathing, and even death. Never, under any circumstances, give your dog alcoholic beverages “as a treat.”
- Dairy products. Most animals simply don’t have enough of the lactase enzyme needed to properly process and digest the lactose ingredients in milk-based products. This can lead to diarrhea or nausea and vomiting. However, there may be some basis for occasional plain yogurt or cheese as a treat. Ask your vet and start “low and slow” if you decide to try these foods.
Your safest bet is to make sure your dog is always getting approved pet foods and snacks. If in doubt, talk to your vet about nutritional content and what choices will best support your dog in their current stage of life.
What to Do If Your Dog Has Been Exposed to Toxic Foods
Think your dog has been exposed to a toxic food? Call your vet immediately. If you saw your dog take or eat a food, or found it missing from your bowl or counter, you may be able to get treatment and minimize some of the damage by inducing vomiting. Your vet can help you decide what is best.
Of course, we don’t always know what our pets eat – even in the best and most careful situations. You can be walking down the street and have your dog find something on the road, or even have him break into a cupboard and eat an entire box of cookies out of the blue. The best rule of thumb here is to call your vet anyway, especially if you notice symptoms of illness in an otherwise healthy dog. The sooner you take action, the better the outcome.
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center received more than 3,700 calls about dogs eating grapes and raisins in 2016 alone. While researchers and veterinarians don’t understand why grapes are toxic, they know that the risk is far more dangerous than any perceived benefit. No grapes, with skin or without, dried or in full-fruit form, should ever make it into your dog’s meal or snack bowl. Avoid them at all costs.