If you are a pet owner, you are likely always looking for information on what is and isn’t suitable for your furry friend. Unfortunately, when it comes to grapes, many people are unsure if they are harmful to dogs or not.
In this blog post, we will explore the topic of grapes and dogs and provide you with valuable information that you can use to make the best decision for your pet!
Are Grapes Bad For Dogs?
You might have heard that grape seeds and raisins can be poisonous to dogs, and while this is true, it’s important to remember that not all grapes are created equal.
No, dogs cannot eat grapes or raisins (dehydrated grapes), even if peeled or seeded, because they are dangerous in any quantity.
Dogs have gotten sick after eating seedless or seeded grapes. Therefore, it would help if you avoided grapes with seeds, as they can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs.
Which Grapes Are Toxic To Dogs?
It’s a common misconception that all grapes are toxic to dogs. Only certain types of grapes are harmful to our furry friends. The raisin is the most common variety of grape that is poisonous to dogs.
Raisins are a type of dried grape that we find in many kinds of baking and cooking recipes. They’re also often a healthy snack alternative to candy or chips. However, while raisins may be safe for humans to eat, they can be deadly for dogs.
What Snacks Are Bad For Dogs?
Even just a small handful of raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs. Other types of grapes, such as green grapes, red grapes, and Concord grapes, are also toxic to dogs. However, these grapes don’t typically contain as much toxicity as raisins.
Foods containing grapes, such as grape jelly, grape juice, and grape seed extract, are also harmful to dogs.
Some snacks like granola bars and energy drinks can contain grape extract or juice. It’s essential to check the labels of any food before giving it to your dog.
What Part Of The Grape Is Toxic To Dogs?
Studies show that the tartaric acid in the skin and seeds of grapes makes them poisonous to dogs. Tartaric acid can cause:
- Vomiting,
- Diarrhea,
- Dehydration
- Lethargy
- Stomach pain
- Loss of appetite
- Increased thirst and urination
- Decreased urination
In severe cases, it can also lead to kidney failure. Peeled and unpeeled grapes are toxic to dogs, but raisins pose an even more significant threat since they are dried and more concentrated.
Research has shown that grape poisoning affects different dogs differently. Some dogs only experience mild symptoms, while others can develop life-threatening health problems.
How Long After Eating Grapes Will It Take For Symptoms To Show Up?
If your dog has gotten into the grapes, you may wonder how long it will take for symptoms to appear.
Unfortunately, there is no easy answer to this question. Because it can vary depending on many factors like the size of your dog, how many grapes they ate, and whether they have any underlying health conditions.
In general, however, you can expect symptoms to appear within 12-24 hours after eating grapes.
If your dog shows any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately. They will be able to provide treatment and help prevent any further complications.
How Long Does Grape Toxicity Last In Dogs?
The effects of grape toxicity can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
The treatment response is unpredictable in most cases. Therefore, treatment response, like that seen in most diseases, can be varied.
However, the outlook is usually excellent for dogs with modest kidney blood parameters who begin aggressive therapy early. Most dogs return home within 3-4 days without any long-term health consequences.
How Vets Treat Grape Toxicity in Dogs
Grape poisoning can be severe; even a few grapes can cause kidney failure in dogs. However, with prompt treatment, many dogs make a full recovery.
The first step is to induce vomiting if the dog has eaten the grapes within the last two hours, which will help to remove the toxins from the body before they have a chance to cause harm.
Next, the dog will need to be hydrated and given supportive care. Finally, inducing vomiting and providing the dog with intravenous fluids will help to flush the toxins out of its system. In difficult situations, it will require blood transfusions.
After the initial treatment, the dog will need to be monitored for a few days to ensure its kidneys are functioning correctly. In most cases, dogs receiving prompt treatment will recover fully.
In some cases, dialysis may also be necessary. However, most dogs recover from grape poisoning without lasting effects with aggressive treatment. Nevertheless, prompt action is essential to give your dog the best chance of recovery and survival. But even with treatment, some dogs may not survive grape poisoning.
Will Grapes Hurt a 50-Pound Dog?
The short answer is maybe. Grapes are a type of fruit that contains a natural toxin called cyanide. In small amounts, cyanide is not harmful to humans or animals. However, if a dog eats too many grapes, the cyanide can build up in its system and cause poisoning.
What Is Cyanide Poisoning?
Cyanide poisoning refers to the toxic effects of cyanide-containing substances, which can be inhaled or ingested. Toxicity can occur from acute (sudden) and chronic (long-term) exposure to cyanide. Furthermore, toxicity may result from improper, malicious, or accidental exposure or usage.
Cyanide poisoning is toxicosis due to significant exposure to cyanide. Cyanide prevents cells from using oxygen, resulting in death. Early symptoms of cyanide poisoning include:
- Hyperventilation
- Bright red mucous membranes
- Fainting
- Nausea/vomiting
- Rapid heartbeat
- Muscle fasciculation
- Tremors/ intermittent seizures.
- Ataxia (“drunken” appearing gait)
- Increased urination (polyuria)
- Increased thirst (polydipsia)
- Stupor
- Hyperexcitability
- Regurgitation (due to megaesophagus)
Cyanide levels of 0.5 to less than 0.5 mcg/mL are diagnostic for cyanide poisoning. Signs typically appear within 15–20 minutes after consuming toxic forage. Survival rates following the onset of clinical symptoms are rarely >2 hours.
How Many Grapes Does It Take To Kill a Dog?
Whether small or big, any dog can be poisoned by grapes if they eat enough. The dog’s size will not determine how sick they will get, but rather how many grapes they ate in proportion to their body weight.
For example, a 50-pound dog would need to eat 20 grapes to reach the toxic dose of cyanide, while a 20-pound dog would only need to eat eight grapes. So, as you can see, it is much easier for small dogs to reach the toxic dose than for large dogs.
The minimum poisonous quantity is approximately 0.3 oz/kilo of body weight, and the maximum harmful amount is 0.65 oz/kilo. So, for a 50-pound dog, the minimum toxic dose would be approximately two grapes, and the maximum poisonous quantity would be about four.
Are There Any Long-Term Effects Of Grape Toxicity In Dogs?
In most cases, dogs fully recover from grape toxicity with prompt treatment. However, some dogs may develop chronic kidney disease as a result of the toxicity.
In some cases, kidney damage is irreversible, and the dog will require lifelong treatment. In other cases, the kidneys may eventually recover on their own.
Your pet friend can get these other long side effects in case of poisoning:
- Anemia
- Jaundice
- Seizures
- Coma
- Death
What Are Other Common Foods Toxic To Dogs?
If you’re a dog owner, you probably know that chocolate is dangerous for dogs. But what other common foods are toxic to our furry friends?
Here is a list of other poisonous foods for dogs:
- Alcohol
- Coffee
- Tea
- Onions
- Garlic
- Chives
- Baby food containing onion powder
- Macadamia nuts
- Avocados
Some of these foods may surprise you but knowing what can potentially harm your dog is essential.
Taking simple precautions can help keep your dog safe from potentially harmful foods. For example, always store grapes and raisins where your dog cannot reach them. And be sure to dispose of any avocado pits properly.
While it’s true that chocolate can be harmful to dogs, a wide variety of other foods can be dangerous for your pup.
Avocados contain a compound called persin, which can be fatal to birds and small mammals. While most people know that sweets are poisonous to dogs, others don’t know that chewing gum might be hazardous since it often contains xylitol.
This sugar substitute can cause low blood sugar and liver damage in dogs. So next time you’re looking for a snack, ensure your dog isn’t within reach.
So What Types Of Treats Can A Dog Eat?
Even though grapes are dangerous for dogs, there are some fruits that they can eat without a problem. The best way to pamper your dog is to give him tasty snacks specifically for his nutritional needs.
Remember that snacks should not represent more than 10% of the calories ingested by your dog per day.
Here are some safe snack options for your dog:
- Apples
- Bananas
- Blueberries
- Cantaloupe
- Cranberries
- Pears
- Watermelon
A wide variety of fruits are safe for dogs, so there’s no need to worry if you want to give your pup a healthy snack.
As always, consult your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about what foods are safe for your dog. They can give you the best advice based on your dog’s individual needs.
Now you know why never feed your dog grapes, raisins, or sultanas. I hope this blog post will lead you to a better understanding of grape and raisin poisoning as well as how to prevent and treat it.
Thanks for reading!
