Grape and sultana toxicity in dogs

Grapes, sultanas and raisins (which are just forms of dried grapes) are very toxic to dogs.

What’s in them, as well as the amount eaten to cause toxicity is unknown. Ingestion of only a few sultanas may cause toxicity in some dogs however, could be tolerated in other dogs.

The toxin in grapes, sultanas and raisins can cause issues in fur kids kidney’s and may reduces their ability to function properly. You may not even see any signs of toxicity for one to two days.

Some of the signs of grape and sultana toxicity might be:

• • vomiting
  • diarrhoea
  • lethargy
  • depression
  • increased drinking
  • decreased, or increased peeing.

When should I go the vet?
Treatment of kidney disease is difficult and not always successful. For this reason and the fact that we don’t know much about how grapes, sultanas or raisins will cause a reaction in each individual pet. It’s crucial to engage vet as soon as possible regardless of the amount consumed.

Prevention
As always with toxins prevention is key. When grapes are being prepared or served, or when toddlers are eating sultanas you need keep your pet away. Have them safely confined and only let them back to the food area when all potential toxins are packed away. This is one situation where your buddy can’t be a vacuum cleaner!

Cautionary note:
There are so many other food toxins in the home; the following is not an exhaustive list but are more commonly encountered. These include:

• onions and garlic – these are VERY poisonous – raw or cooked
• macadamia nuts
• avocado
• xylitol
• chocolate
• caffeine
• alcohol.