Introduction
The Root of the Behavior
It is estimated that larger dogs can tolerate more raisins than smaller dogs, but this is not a guarantee. One of the lowest documented doses of raisins that caused ARF was .32 ounces of raisins per 1½ pounds of dog. There are typically 90 raisins in a 1½-ounce box, which could make a six-pound dog exceedingly sick. There are reports that just six grapes were responsible for the death of an 18-pound dog. But again, you never know how your dog will react and what are his particular limits. Researchers have looked into store bought grapes and raisins, different colored grapes and raisins, and different strains or breeds of raisins; all seem to be equally toxic to dogs. They have also tested grapes and raisins without the skin and it seems the flesh is the toxic part as skinless grapes were still toxic to dogs. Please note that it is important to not give your dog raisins, but also avoid foods that have raisins in them. Make sure he is not able to gain access to raisins or grapes in your home or yard.
Encouraging the Behavior
The veterinarian will also give your pup activated charcoal to absorb any remaining toxins and then may give your dog intravenous therapy to flush out his system and encourage his kidneys to keep producing urine. Your vet will also run routine blood and urine tests and will monitor your dog for the next 72 hours to make sure his kidneys are not shutting down. The earlier you treat your dog for ingesting raisins, the better chance he has of coming out of the situation healthy. Removing the raisins from his system and blocking toxins within twenty-four hours is crucial. When the kidneys stop filtering his blood and producing urine, his blood pressure can rise and he can fall into a coma. At that point the prognosis is grim. Early intervention is key.