CAN DOGS EAT GRAPES (IS IT GOOD FOR THEIR HEALTH?)

 As humans, we consider grapes, raisins and currant as a healthy and favorite snacking. But this is not the same for dogs, because these can lead to kidney failure in dogs.

 Weather seedless or grapes with seeds, commercial or grown grapes in your yard, red or green/raisins, organic or non-organic, or grapes infused in wines, even meals that contain grapes, raisins and currants. 

For example, trial mix, granola mix, raisin bran cereal, baked goods. All this can be a potential source of poisoning in dogs. 

Now let’s move on to the query ‘Can Dogs Eat Grapes?’?

Grape jellies, grape juice do not cause any toxic effects.

WHAT IS THE TOXIC DOSE?

There is no toxic dose that have been yet established, but there are two main rules to always keep if you intend to give your dog this fruits.

1.       Eating large amount of fruits can cause food poisoning.

2.       Every dog reacts individually to sensitive things like this, so how your dog react to grape is unpredictable, some dogs can tolerate just a little quantity (dose) of the fruit without having any symptoms/issues, this may not be the case for other dogs, they may experience food poisoning after consuming little quantity of grapes or raisins.

WHY ARE RAISINS, GRAPES AND CURRANTS TOXIC?

It is yet unknown the reason why these fruits are toxic. For a long time now, there have been several notions that its reason for being toxic is as a result of a mycotoxin (a substance that is produced by a fungus or mold) or a salicylate (aspirin-like).

A natural drug commonly found in grapes, which may cause decreased flow of blood to the kidneys. 

Although no specific toxic agent has been identified, people are thinking about tartaric acid which may be the cause, but this is not yet proven. 

Since the real cause or reason for this toxicity is unproven, exposure to this fruit can cause potential concern.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY DOG EATS GRAPES OR RAISINS?

If you are having suspicions that your dog might have accidentally eaten any of these fruits and there is no way to know how much of quantity they might have consumed, the best thing to do is to contact your veterinarian.

 You can as well contact an online vet or call an animal poison control service immediately.

In a case like this, do not hesitate or give your dog any self-medication as this concerns your dog’s health. 

The earlier the poisoning is diagnosed and treated, the better for you and your dog, in that case you won’t have to spend money on expensive therapy.

Related Article; Can dogs eat Pineapple?

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF GRAPE OR RAISIN TOXICITY?

The number 1 common early symptom of ingesting any of these fruits is vomiting which happens after 24 hours. Your dog is likely to experience;

·         Lack of appetite

·         Lethargy

·         Diarrhea

Which can occur within 12-24 hours after consumption- often after acute kidney damage has already started.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF ACUTE KIDNEY FAILURE?

·         Diarrhea

·         Excessive urination

·         Uremic (ammonia odor) breath.

·         Vomiting

·         Abdominal pain

·         Lack of appetite

As this continues, your dog’s kidney will likely stop working and this may lead to your dog not being able to produce urine, after this, your dog may experience increased blood pressure.

 As this persists, your dog might end up falling into a coma because of the kidney can no longer flush out substances through urine.

Read About; How long do dogs live?

HOW IS GRAPE/RAISIN POISONING DIAGNOSED?

The symptoms of consuming grapes or raisin poisoning is not specific and the early signs is the same as when your dog eats food that they should not.

 When it gets very serious, the signs are similar as to the signs of kidney failure.

In a case like this your vet will need to run a complete blood count (CBC) test, a serum biochemistry profile and urine analysis, in other to know the amount of damage that might have occur in the kidney. This test will help determine the likelihood of your dog recovering.

Also Read; How often should I take my dog to the vet.

HOW IS GRAPE/RAISIN POISONING TREATED?

This treatment is targeted at absorption of the toxins and minimize more damage to the kidneys. 

The best treatment is by administering activated charcoal, this helps to induce vomiting in dogs. And prevents absorption of the poisoning from the stomach or intestines.

 Inducing vomiting is a very important because grapes and raisins stay in the stomach very longer. Drugs that control nausea or vomiting can help maintain blood flow to the kidneys.

Your dog may need to be hospitalized for several days so when he can be monitored by your vet. More test may be carried out to check the health status of the kidneys and blood flow/pressure.

WHAT IS THE PROGNOSIS FOLLOWING POISONING FROM GRAPES OR RAISINS?

This is determined on many factors including much quantity was consumed, how fast the dog was decontaminated, if the patient have kidney failure already and how fast was treatment issued. If there are any signs of improvement since treatment started.

If the dog only consumed little quantity of grapes and raisins, this also depends on the size of the dog, and gets treated instantly, then the prognoses is excellent.

Once the kidneys are confirmed damaged and no urine is produced, the prognosis is poor and your dog is likely to die. 

It is advisable you speak to your vet in other for him or her to carry out tests on your dog, or estimate based on the symptoms, individual situation and response to treatment.

Related Article; Can dogs eat watermelon?

HOW CAN I PREVENT MY DOG FROM EATING GRAPES?

Before giving your dog any food, make sure to know what ingredients were used to produce such snack or food. Avoid using any grape like substance as treat, whether in solid or liquid form. 

Keep them out of the reach of your pets, giving them one grape may not cause any human, but there’s a popular saying

Prevention is better than cure

COMMON FOODS THAT ARE TOXIC TO DOGS

·         Foods contain sugar alcohol

·         Onions

·         Chocolate

·         Cocoa

·         Macadamia nuts

·         Garlic

Are Other Animals in danger?

This problem has only been identified in dogs, but it is a good idea to keep this fruits away from any other pets to avoid unforeseen health complications.

If you think your dog might have ingested grape kindly reach out to your pet vet.

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WRITER: GEORGE BLESSED (ANIMAL KINDGOM GUIDE).