Fruits are as beneficial for dogs as for humans. Of course, fruits and vegetables have many nutritional benefits for dogs as well. But, unfortunately, grapes are not suitable for dogs. Grapes and raisins are simply No, and No for the dogs.
These are toxic for dogs and can cause severe kidney damage to your pet.
Can a dog eat grapes?
Grapes are the common components of salads and have many health benefits for humans. They have anti-toxin and anti-inflammatory properties and provide many vitamins and minerals. But in the case of dogs, these fruits can spell big trouble. Grapes and raisins, dried grapes, have toxins that can poison your pet and even cause death in the next 72 hours.
Why grapes are toxic to dogs
there is no solid reason behind the toxicity of grapes toward dogs, but scientists have provided some theories to explain why grapes are toxic to dogs.
Fungus and Molds
scientists proposed a theory that it is fungus or mold on the grapes, which is toxic for the dogs. But it was ruled out later. Experts could not find any relationship between toxicity and fungus after studying grapes of different regions.
Seeds
It was also not as many dogs get poisoned even after eating seedless grapes. So, it is also not a valid reason behind the toxicity of grapes.
Allergies
Dogs can be allergic to plant-based foods, but it's not common. In addition, the evidence wasn't logical enough to prove allergies as a reaction to the fruit.
Pesticides
They studied grapes and raisins of different countries with the help of various farming practices. However, whether the fruit was grown naturally or with pesticides, the toxicity remained the same.
Salicylate
Scientists ruled out this aspirin-like mixture present naturally in grapes as the toxin causing dogs to get sick.
Symptoms of grapes poisoning in dogs
Vomiting or diarrhea
This usually happens within 2-12 hours.
Loss of appetite
24-48 hours after ingestion
Abdominal pain:
Abdomen will be painful to the touch. It can happen in 12-24 hours.
Weakness, lethargy:
Can occur within 24-48 hours of ingestion.
Dehydration:
Symptoms are wheezing, a dry nose/mouth, and pale gums.
Increase in thirst:
An increase or decrease in urination and, in extreme conditions, no urination. It leads to acute kidney problems and happens 24-72 hours after ingestion.
Kidney failure:
It is fatal for your pet if not treated immediately. Symptoms may present within 72 hours.
How to treat grape poisoning if your dog eats grapes
Provoke vomiting.
It is an emergency needing immediate treatment. For example, suppose you are positive that your dog ingested grapes or raisins. In that case, you will need to induce vomiting as soon as possible before absorbing toxins in the stomach present in the fruit. Try using a one-teaspoon hydrogen peroxide solution per five pounds of body weight, with no more than three teaspoons given at once to induce vomiting. If vomiting does not occur after 10 minutes of the first delivery, repeat the procedure with the exact dosage. This procedure should only be used three times, with ten-minute gaps between each. If your dog has not vomited even after the third dose, do not use it or anything further to induce vomiting. Do not use anything more substantial than hydrogen peroxide without your veterinarian's assent. Do not induce vomiting unless you are sure that your pup has ingested grapes. It is not good to induce vomiting in an unconscious dog, and do not try it again and again. If your puppy has trouble breathing or is exhibiting signs of severe distress or shock, then stop inducing vomiting.
Call the vet.
Activated charcoal can also help prevent the toxin from being absorbed. When you notice that your dog has eaten grapes or raisins, contact a veterinarian once to discuss how much-activated charcoal is suitable to give him.
Keep in mind that your dog will still require medical attention. Some dogs are sensitive than others and may need complete care, such as a stomach wash/lavage and fluid therapy.
Provide all the information to vet properly.
Provide complete information to the vet so that treatment can begin. For example, suppose your dog has vomited or had a bout of diarrhea, and you can collect a sample of it. In that instance, this will assist your veterinarian in determining the severity of the problem and initiating treatment more immediately. A CBC, biochemistry profile, and urinalysis are all standard laboratory tests. These tests may reveal elevated blood calcium levels, which can lead to hypercalcemia in extreme situations. In higher than normal levels of phosphorous and creatinine, both indicators of the kidney's functioning status. Some changes in the urine, like glucose or protein, may be seen. Ultrasound is also helpful in diagnosing the size of the kidney. It also helps to find out the abnormal deposition of minerals in the kidneys. Without explicit evidence of the ingestion, diagnosis is often based on circumstantial evidence and the signs of poisoning that appear when a dog eats grapes and raisins. Usually, a Blood test is not ideal for showing the toxicity level caused by the grapes. The medical research community is still working on the discovery of the offending substance.
Fluid therapy of the dogs.
A stomach wash and fluid therapy are the best and effective treatments to clean the toxicity caused by the grapes. Intravenous fluid therapy for at least the first 48 hours and drugs to encourage urine output will be administered.
Suppose urine is not being produced within a short time. In that case, your vet may place your dog on dialysis to assist the kidneys in recovering fast. During this time, the vet will monitor your dog's blood chemicals daily. When the kidneys are not able to produce urine, the affected animal dies. In some cases, even timely treatment can not reduce the symptoms of poison caused by the toxin which has already been absorbed. Time is essential in this situation, but in all cases, the prognosis is guarded.