Grapefruit Poisoning in Dogs

While you may enjoy sharing food with your dog, do not share your grapefruit with him.  While he may think he wants it, you will both regret it because it is toxic.  While he may only suffer mild symptoms like gastrointestinal upset, he can also experience more long term, severe symptoms from the photosensitive properties the grapefruit contains.  Even the mildest symptoms can turn into more severe problems if not treated.  Detoxification is key to treatment and recovery.  Once the toxin is out of your dog’s system, he should return to normal without any long term side effects.

The grapefruit is a citrusy fruit that many people enjoy eating.  This is one fruit you should not share with your dog as it is toxic to him.  If you suspect your dog ingested any piece of a grapefruit, the flesh, the seeds, or the peel, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Symptoms of grapefruit poisoning can differ from case to case.  Symptoms may include:

• Depression
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Photosensitivity 

Types

The grapefruit is a fruit belonging to the Rutaceae family with the scientific name of Citrus paradisii.  This fruit is native to more tropical climates and was introduce in Florida as a novelty.  Eventually, it became a popular fruit leading to nurseries being planted and people planting their own trees.  It can now be found growing in the southern regions of North America.

The essential oils and psoralens of the grapefruit are the toxic properties of the fruit.  Psoralens in plants can lead to phototoxic dermatitis when ingested and exposed to UV light from the sun.  The rind and seeds of the grapefruit also contain these toxins.

When you first arrive at the veterinarian’s office, she will begin by asking you numerous questions to try and collect a history.  Questions like what your dog was doing earlier that day, if he got into something he shouldn’t have, and when he started acting abnormally.  While doing this, she will also perform a physical exam on your dog to collect his vitals and to verify the symptoms he is suffering from.

If your dog vomits while he is at the clinic, the veterinarian will examine the regurgitated contents for clues as to what he ingested.  If he is having diarrhea, a sample will be collected and diagnostics will be run to rule out other possible causes such as internal parasites or bacterial overgrowth.  The symptom of depression can be caused by many things so there is no test the cause of this can be determined.

If your dog is experiencing any type of skin related reaction from the photosensitivity, a skin scraping sample may be collected.  The veterinarian will scrape off a layer of your dog’s skin to view under the microscope.  This will allow her to rule out other causes of skin irritation.  

Lab work will be run to collect information on how your dog is functioning internally.  A complete blood count (CBC) and chemistry panel will be run to give a baseline of how your dog’s organs are handling the toxin.  These tests give a broad, overall look and will let the veterinarian know if further diagnostics need to be completed or not.  She may also want to run a urinalysis for evaluation of kidney function.  If dehydration is a concern, a packed cell volume (PCV) will be run to determine hydration status.

The symptoms your dog is experiencing will determine his course of treatment.  If you know your dog ingested a grapefruit or highly suspect it, the veterinarian may induce vomiting.  This will rid your dog’s stomach of any remaining pieces before the body absorbs it.  If too much time has passed since ingestion and induction of vomiting is unsuccessful, she may administer activated charcoal.  This will bind and neutralize the toxins of the grapefruit before the body absorbs it.  If your dog is vomiting from ingestion of the fruit, an antiemetic will be given to stop the constant vomiting and to offer your dog some relief.

If dehydration is a concern from the vomiting and diarrhea, he will receive intravenous fluid therapies.  This will correct any dehydration he is experiencing and prevent it from continuing.  It will also help flush the toxin from his body system quicker than without it.  

If your dog’s skin is reacting in any way, a medicinal ointment or cream may be prescribed to apply to the affected areas.  This will help calm any irritation or itching he may be experiencing and will speed up the healing process.  Also, if he is suffering some sort of photosensitivity, he will need to remain out of the sun as much as possible until the toxin has left his system.

Detoxification is key when recovering your dog from grapefruit poisoning.  As soon as you suspect he ate a piece of one, take him to a veterinarian.  If he receives medical attention in a timely manner, prognosis of a full recovery is good. If he ingested a large amount or if he does not receive medical care, his prognosis declines.  

If you have a grapefruit tree on your property, keep it in an area your dog does not have access to or consider fencing it off so that he cannot get to it; including the fruit that falls from the tree naturally.  Since most people do not have this tree, accidental ingestion typically occurs from them getting into the trash or on the counter to the fruit bowl.  Either way, keep the grapefruit out of the reach of your dog for his safety.

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