Grapes Poisoning in Dogs

Grapes and grape containing products are poisonous to dogs. This includes grape jelly or juice, as well as dried grapes (raisins), and even currants which belong to the same family as grapes. The mechanism of poisoning is currently unknown, but grape poisoning can cause severe kidney failure in dogs. Most studies suggest that the toxic dose is about 32 grams per kilogram of the dog’s weight for grapes and 11-30 grams for raisins, however symptoms of poisoning can sometimes be present even at very low doses. No amount of grape containing products are considered safe for dogs.

The toxin can be found in all types of grapes, including seeded, seedless, organic, and those used for wine. Vomiting and diarrhea are the initial signs of grape toxicity, beginning about 6-12 hours after ingestion. This is followed by general lack of energy, weakness, dehydration, thirst, and failure to produce an adequate amount of urine. Fatal kidney dysfunction will develop in 1-3 days. If vomiting is induced 15-20 minutes after ingestion this can help to reduce absorption and limit the severity of the symptoms. Once kidney dysfunction is present intensive fluid treatment will be necessary to save your dog’s life. Large doses may end up being fatal even with treatment.

Grapes contain a toxin that causes kidney failure in dogs. Grapes, raisins, and grape containing products will all make a dog very sick when ingested. This is called grape poisoning or grape toxicity. Immediate treatment is necessary and some cases can still end up being fatal.

These are the symptoms you may see if your dog has eaten grapes or raisins. Grape poisoning should be treated as an emergency, so you will need to get veterinary treatment as soon as possible.

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Grapes or raisins in vomit or stool
• Low energy
• Loss of appetite
• Weakness
• Signs of abdominal pain
• Excessive thirst
• Lack of urine production (anuria)
• Tremors

Types

Any type of grape containing product can be dangerous for your dog.

• Grapes
• Grape juice
• Raisins
• Currants
• Trail-mix
• Baked products containing grapes or currents
• Wine

These are the most common risk factors associated with grape poisoning.

• Owner feeding the dog foods that contain grapes
• Grapes left out in a fruit bowl 
• Open container of trail mix with raisins
• Spoiled grapes thrown in the garbage
• Grapes or currants growing in the garden
• Wild grapes

If you think your dog has been poisoned, it’s a good idea to call a poison help-line for instructions on immediate treatment. Follow the advice of the agent exactly and take your dog to see a veterinarian as soon as possible.

If the poisoning took place within the last two hours, the veterinarian will try to induce emesis and reduce further absorption. Gastric lavage may be carried out under anesthesia. Activated charcoal will also be given since this medication binds to the toxin in the dog’s stomach and also helps to limit absorption. For mild cases that are discovered immediately this may be all the treatment that is needed.

If your dog has ingested a large amount of grapes or grape containing product intravenous fluids will be necessary for at least 48 hours. This will help to increase urine production, support kidney function and flush the toxin out of the body. If the dog is still only producing a very small amount of urine, further medications may be necessary to stimulate the kidneys. If the kidneys have stopped producing urine altogether the incident will usually end up being fatal.