Although considered a natural and harmless treat, grapes can actually be deadly to some dogs. Even a small amount of grapes can cause kidney failure that can be fatal to the animal, and this is true regardless of the form in which the fruit is ingested. Toxicity varies from dog to dog and it is sometimes difficult to determine the cause of symptoms if the animal has stolen a standing bunch of grapes. Cats are not immune to this toxicity, as ingestion of grapes can also cause health problems.
Grape toxicity varies from one animal to another
Even after scientific studies, the active ingredient responsible for grape toxicity to dogs remains unknown to this day. This toxicity has only recently become common in our pets, since the 2020s. Regardless of whether the grape is seeded or seedless, dried or juiced, home grown or from a professional vineyard, the poison in the fruit can attack the digestive system and kidneys of the animal. All breeds of dogs are susceptible to this toxicity, and a dog that has tolerated the fruit on a first ingestion may suffer serious complications on a second or third ingestion.
Research has shown that the toxin is present in the grape and this remains the only tangible evidence found so far. However, some experts speculate that an element similar to aspirin is present in the fruit, causing a decrease in blood flow to the kidneys. However, these theories remain speculative as the toxic agent has not yet been conclusively identified. Therefore, it is impossible to know if your dog will be able to tolerate this "treat". Although some dogs can tolerate small amounts of grapes, others can be poisoned by just a few grapes from a bunch. It is therefore advisable to avoid grapes in the dog's diet altogether and to classify them as toxic food for dogs.
What is the most dangerous form of grapes for dogs?
Grapes are toxic no matter how they are consumed, and even a small amount can be fatal to a dog weighing less than 10 kg. All varieties of grapes, as well as prepared foods containing this fruit, can cause poisoning. In short, grapes are a potential poison in all their forms for our four-legged friends, whether canine or feline.
- With or without seeds, and with or without the skin.
- Confit or dry.
- The grapes can be red or white.
- Commercially available or from one's own vineyard or that of one's neighbor.
- From organic or conventional agriculture.
Even after being cooked or prepared, grapes remain a potential source of poisoning for dogs. Cereals, breads, cakes or dishes that contain grapes do not reduce their toxicity to our canine companions.
Symptoms of grape poisoning can vary depending on the size, breed and age of the dog. However, in general, 10 to 50 grams of fresh grapes per kilogram of body weight can be fatal to the animal. For a dog weighing 10 kg, a single bunch of grapes can be life threatening. Raisins are considered the most toxic, as a small handful of grams can cause severe food poisoning.
What are the signs that my dog has grape poisoning?
Although a single grape may not cause symptoms in your dog or puppy, it is best to avoid it to avoid any risk. If ingested and sensitive to the toxin in the fruit, gastrointestinal symptoms may occur within 6 to 24 hours:
- Nausea;
- Vomissements ;
- Diarrhea;
- Significant abdominal pain.
Note that if your dog vomits only a few hours after ingesting grapes, you may find undigested fruit in his vomit or stool.
Then, other more general symptoms may appear:
- Extreme Fatigue;
- Perte d’appétit ;
- Le chien a soif et boit énormément ;
- Ataxia, or poor coordination of movements, requires an emergency consultation.
When your dog is intoxicated with grapes, he may suffer from intense thirst or polydipsia, which is often accompanied by poor urine output. This oliguria may progress to anuria, where the dog cannot urinate at all. Symptoms may also include hypothermia, dehydration and coma. Kidney function is often affected when the dog has trouble urinating. Acute kidney failure can occur in as little as 24 to 72 hours, which is a life-threatening emergency. The kidneys have a low capacity for regeneration, which means that the damage caused by poisoning can be irreversible. Only your veterinarian can determine the prognosis based on your dog's response to treatment, symptoms and physical condition.
What to do in case of grape poisoning in dogs?
It is recommended that you contact your veterinarian immediately if you catch your dog ingesting a grape or if you have accidentally given him one. In case of poisoning by any toxin, the commonly used rule is the 3 T's rule.
The 3 T's rule to act in case of grape poisoning or any other toxin:
- Time: Act quickly to save your pet's life. Do not attempt to treat or care for your pet without consulting a professional veterinarian.
- Phone: Contact your veterinarian or veterinary emergency service immediately if you suspect your pet has ingested grapes or any other toxin.
- Toxin: If known, inform the caller of the substance or toxin ingested and the amount and time of the incident.
The faster we react and the more accurate the information provided to your veterinarian, the faster he can intervene to save your dog.
How is poisoning diagnosed by a veterinarian?
Because the causes of grape poisoning are still unknown, there is no specific test to diagnose it. Veterinarians rely on the symptoms your pet presents and the information you provide in response to their questions:
- Has your dog ever eaten grapes before?
- Have you witnessed your dog ingesting grapes?
- How much grapes has your dog been exposed to?
- Were they fresh grapes picked from the vine or were they raisins?
By providing accurate information, you will help the veterinarian decide what additional tests are needed to provide the best treatment for your dog's survival, including blood work and urinalysis.
How does the veterinarian treat grape intoxication in your dog?
The choice of treatment for grape poisoning will depend on your pet's health and symptoms. Management will vary depending on the time between the grape ingestion, your call and your pet's sensitivity to the toxin. The priority for the veterinarian will be to stabilize your pet's condition. If the grape ingestion is recent and you visit the veterinarian within 6 hours of ingestion, the veterinarian may induce vomiting to prevent absorption of the toxin. Activated charcoal will be administered to absorb the toxin in the stomach and intestines. If necessary, your veterinarian will also pump the stomach.
The veterinarian may decide to infuse your pet for 24 to 48 hours to maintain kidney function. In addition to this, he or she may also prescribe medication to control nausea and vomiting and maintain blood flow to your dog's kidneys. If your pet stops producing urine, dialysis may be considered, provided the kidneys are not too badly damaged.
Animals with grape poisoning are usually hospitalized for 2-7 days in a veterinary clinic. During this time, professionals carefully monitor your pet's kidney function, assess response to treatment, and make modifications as necessary to minimize the damage caused by the toxin.
If your pet's condition improves and he or she is allowed to go home, blood tests will be scheduled to make sure everything is fine and that the kidney is functioning properly.
Is eating grapes life threatening for my dog?
Your dog's prognosis depends on several factors, including his sensitivity to the toxin and your responsiveness. If you act quickly and catch your dog eating grapes, the prognosis is quite positive. Other factors such as the number of grapes or raisins ingested relative to his weight and the time it takes to decontaminate him also play an important role in the prognosis.
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I'm making a donation now!If your dog shows signs of renal failure such as polydipsia or oliguria, it indicates that his or her life is in danger.
There is no solution to protect your pet from grape poisoning, other than prevention. Unfortunately, there is no antidote for this toxin, so it is best to keep them out of your pet's reach. If you have grapevines, be sure to pick up any grapes that have fallen to the ground, as dogs may be attracted to their sweet taste. Avoid giving your dog food containing grapes and don't give in to your greedy pet's sweet eyes. If you want to give your pet a treat, choose foods that do not contain grapes or other foods that may be harmful to your pet.
