The Hidden Danger of Grapes for Your Dog

As pet owners, we often wonder if certain human foods are safe for our furry friends. Grapes may seem harmless, but they are one of the most toxic foods for dogs. Even a small amount can cause severe health problems, including kidney failure. This article explains why grapes are dangerous for dogs, the symptoms of grape poisoning, and what to do if your dog eats one.

Are Grapes Safe for Dogs?

No, grapes and their dried counterparts (raisins) are highly toxic to dogs. The exact substance causing toxicity is unknown, but ingestion can lead to severe and sometimes fatal health issues, such as acute kidney failure.

Why Are Grapes Toxic to Dogs?

The Danger of Grapes for Dogs

A. Toxicity

1. Renal Failure
   • Grapes, including both fresh grapes and raisins (dried grapes), are known to be toxic to dogs. Even a small amount of grapes can cause acute kidney failure in dogs. The exact toxin in grapes that causes this reaction is still not fully understood by scientists. However, it is clear that the ingestion of grapes can have serious and potentially life - threatening consequences for dogs.
2. Symptoms
   • If a dog has eaten grapes, it may show symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and decreased appetite within a few hours. As the kidney failure progresses, the dog may develop more severe symptoms like excessive thirst and urination, abdominal pain, and in the worst - case scenario, seizures or coma.

Why Grapes Are Different for Dogs

A. Digestive System Differences

1. Metabolism
   • Dogs have a different metabolic system compared to humans. Their bodies are not equipped to handle certain substances present in grapes in the same way that humans can. The substances in grapes that are harmless to humans can disrupt the normal functioning of a dog's kidneys and other organs.
2. Lack of Enzymes
   • Dogs may lack the specific enzymes necessary to break down and detoxify the compounds in grapes. This makes them more vulnerable to the toxic effects of grapes.

What are the potential effects of grapes on your dog's health

• Acute Kidney Failure

Grapes contain some unknown toxic substance that can cause acute kidney failure when ingested by dogs. This may occur within hours or days and symptoms include vomiting, abdominal pain, reduced or even no urine output, and weakness.

• Nerve damage

The toxin content in grapes may cause damage to your dog's nervous system, triggering symptoms such as muscle weakness and paralysis.

• Hypercalcaemia and hyperphosphataemia

Certain components in grapes may cause hypercalcaemia and hyperphosphataemia in dogs, which may lead to acute kidney failure.

• Allergic reactions

The skin and seeds of grapes may contain substances that cause allergic hypotension, similar to the anaphylactic shock caused by vaccination. Reduced blood pressure can lead to insufficient blood supply to the kidneys and other organs, eventually leading to ischaemic necrosis.

• High sugar content

Grapes have a high sugar content, dogs are extremely sensitive to sugar, a large intake of glucose and fructose in grapes will damage the dog's kidney function, but also may cause obesity, diabetes and other diseases.

It is important to note that sensitivity to grapes varies between dog breeds. Depending on the breed, size and constitution, some dogs may show signs of toxicity if a small amount is ingested, but some may not. The dosage given in veterinary medicine is 10 - 12 grapes for a 20 pound dog, but in real life, many dogs are poisoned by eating a few. So the safest thing to do is to keep grapes completely out of your dog's reach.

What Should Dogs Do After Eating Grapes?

Dogs may experience symptoms of poisoning after eating grapes, such as vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, elevated body temperature and kidney failure. Here are some ways that may help relieve your dog's discomfort.

• Induce vomiting

If your dog has been eating grapes for a short period of time, you can try to induce vomiting. You can use a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution or saline to induce vomiting, but be sure to contact your veterinarian for guidance when trying this method.

• Excretion method

Allow your dog to drink plenty of water to dilute the toxins and encourage the grapes to pass out of the body through the urine. You can also give your dog some laxatives to help expel the undigested grapes from the body.

• Seek prompt medical attention

If your dog shows symptoms of poisoning, such as vomiting, diarrhoea, listlessness or loss of appetite, contact your vet immediately. They will be able to provide expert advice and treatment options.

• Intravenous fluids and kidney care medication

Intravenous fluids and administration of renal medication may be required to aid your dog's recovery under the guidance of your veterinarian.

• Monitoring of Kidney Index

During the course of treatment, your dog's renal index will need to be monitored to ensure that kidney function returns to normal.

• Probiotic supplementation

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It is important to note that different dogs have different tolerances for grapes, and some may show symptoms of severe toxicity after eating a small amount of grapes, while others may show symptoms only after eating a larger amount of grapes.10 Therefore, the safest thing to do is to avoid exposing your dog to grapes.

What Should Dogs not eat in addition to grapes?

I. Onions and garlic

• Harmful principle

Onions and garlic contain n-propyl disulphide and other components, these substances will destroy the dog's red blood cells, leading to red blood cell rupture, triggering haemolytic anaemia. Even small amounts of onion or garlic powder (commonly found in some human food seasonings) can be harmful to dogs.

• Common Symptoms

Dogs may experience weakness, shortness of breath, vomiting, diarrhoea, pale gums and other symptoms after consumption, which may be life-threatening in severe cases.

II. Chocolates

• Effects of theobromine

Chocolate contains ingredients such as theobromine and caffeine, and the dog's body has a very limited ability to metabolise these substances. Theobromine will stimulate your dog's central nervous system and heart muscle, leading to symptoms such as tachycardia, excitement, convulsions, vomiting and diarrhoea.

• Danger levels of different chocolates

Dark chocolate has the highest content of theobromine, so it is more dangerous for dogs; milk chocolate has a relatively low content of theobromine, but it should not be consumed by dogs; white chocolate, although it has a very low content of theobromine, the high fat and sugar content may also lead to obesity, gastrointestinal discomfort and other problems in dogs.

Ⅲ, macadamia nuts (macadamia nuts)

• Unknown toxin effect

Macadamia nuts contain an unknown toxin that affects the dog's nervous system, muscles and digestive system. Dogs may experience symptoms such as weakness, tremors, vomiting, increased body temperature and difficulty walking after consumption.

• Consumption and Severity of Symptoms

Symptoms may occur even if only a small amount of macadamia nuts is consumed, and the more the amount consumed, the more severe the symptoms may be.

Ⅳ Xylitol (commonly found in sugar-free chewing gum, some candies and baked goods)

• Blood Sugar Change Hazards

Xylitol can cause a rapid and massive release of insulin in dogs, causing a sharp drop in blood sugar and symptoms of hypoglycaemia such as weakness, lethargy, vomiting and seizures.

• Risk of Liver Damage

In addition to symptoms of hypoglycaemia, xylitol can cause damage to your dog's liver, leading to abnormal liver function that may affect your dog's overall health in the long term.

When to See the Veterinarian

If your dog has an adverse reaction to eating grapes, you can determine if you need to take him to the hospital in the following ways:

I. Vomiting and diarrhoea related

• Frequency

If your dog vomits frequently (e.g. multiple times per hour) or has diarrhoea that doesn't stop, this is a more serious sign and requires medical attention as soon as possible. This is because persistent vomiting and diarrhoea may lead to dehydration, which can further endanger your dog's life and health.

• Nature of the vomit or faeces

If there is blood or bile in the vomit (which appears yellowish green), or if the diarrhoea is black and bloody, this indicates that the dog's digestive tract may have been seriously damaged, and it should be sent to the hospital immediately.

II. Mental status

• Drowsiness and lethargy

Under normal circumstances, the dog should be lively and active. If the dog becomes extremely lethargic after eating grapes, does not respond to the usual favourite toys, activities or the owner's call, and shows a state of atrophy, this may be a sign that the symptoms of poisoning have affected the dog's nervous system or other vital organs, and medical attention is required.

• Abnormal Excitement or Restlessness

On the contrary, if the dog is abnormally excited, restless and unable to settle down, this may also be a sign of ill health, it may be that the toxins in the grapes are adversely affecting the dog's nervous system, and you should consider taking it to the hospital.

III. Diet and water intake

• Refusal of food and water

If the dog completely refuses to eat and drink for more than 6 - 8 hours, this is a red flag. Because the lack of nutrients and water intake in the body will cause the dog's physical function to further decline, you need to take it to the hospital for examination and treatment in a timely manner.

IV. Urinary manifestations

• Urine volume changes

Pay attention to observe the amount of urine of the dog. If the dog appears to have a significant reduction in the amount of urine (such as normal urination, now only one or two times a day a small amount of urine) or no urine, this may be grapes on the dog's kidneys to produce damage, resulting in abnormal renal function, it must be taken to the hospital immediately.

It should be emphasised that due to the seriousness of the possible toxic effects of grapes on dogs, once you find any adverse reaction after your dog has eaten grapes, even if the symptoms seem to be relatively mild, it would be best to contact your veterinarian for advice, and decide whether or not you need to take your dog to the hospital under your veterinarian's advice.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, grapes are not a safe food for dogs. Dog owners should be extremely cautious and keep grapes and raisins out of their dogs' reach. Understanding the potential danger of grapes for dogs can help prevent serious health problems and ensure the well - being of our beloved pets.