Does your dog enjoy a grape or two when walking through the vineyard?
Here in the Pyrénées-Orientales, many of us live among vineyards, and it can be tempting to let our dogs nibble a grape or two while out for a walk. However, grapes and dried vine fruits can be extremely dangerous for dogs.
Grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants are all potentially toxic and can cause sudden kidney failure in some dogs. The worrying part is that there is no known safe amount. Some dogs have become seriously ill after eating only a few grapes, while others appear unaffected after eating more. Because it is impossible to predict which dogs will react, any ingestion should be taken seriously.
Early signs of grape poisoning often appear within a few hours and may include:
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy or unusual tiredness
- Abdominal discomfort
- Diarrhoea
As kidney damage develops, dogs may also become dehydrated, drink more or less than usual, urinate less frequently, or become weak and depressed.
One simple way to check for dehydration is to gently lift the skin over the back of your dog’s neck or shoulders. In a well-hydrated dog, it should spring back into place immediately. If it stays raised or returns slowly, your dog may be dehydrated and should be seen by a vet without delay.
What should you do?
If you know or suspect that your dog has eaten grapes, raisins, sultanas or currants, contact your vet immediately, even if your dog seems perfectly well. Do not try to make your dog vomit unless a veterinarian specifically advises you to do so. Your vet can decide whether it is appropriate and, if necessary, induce vomiting safely and begin treatment before kidney damage occurs.
The exact substance that makes grapes toxic to dogs has still not been definitively identified, and researchers are continuing to investigate. Because of this uncertainty, veterinarians recommend treating every case of grape or raisin ingestion as a potential emergency.
Fortunately, if treatment is started quickly, many dogs make a full recovery. The key is not to wait for symptoms to appear before seeking veterinary advice.