Can Dogs Eat Grapes and Raisins?

Dogs have a different digestive system than ours, which makes some foods we eat dangerous to their health.This is the case with grapes and raisins.

Anyone who lives with a four-legged friend knows for a fact that they cannot eat everything we eat.It is no coincidence that there is a specific diet for dogs.Some foods that we eat calmly and without consequences, which are also good for us, are not tolerated by dog.

Dogs and humans have different metabolisms.For example, some foods that contain substances such as chocolate or caffeine can be digested and metabolized by the human body without problems, but they can be toxic to dogs.Our puppies have a lower gastric acidity level, which makes them less capable of destroying some pathogenic bacteria present in the food that we digest without problems.

The consequences of ingesting foods that are not suitable for dogs are: vomit, diarrhea, food poisoning and often even more serious symptoms, such as kidney failure.But what are these foods to absolutely avoid?Some you will already know:avocado, chocolate, coffee, refined sugars, carbohydrates.Surely, at least once in your life, you have found yourself in front of your dog while you were nibbling on grapes or eating a panettone with raisins.

Can Dogs Eat Grapes and Raisins? Let's find out right away.

Are grapes and raisins toxic to dogs?

Grapes and raisins have a high toxicity rate for dogs.So even if you think that a little bit won't do anything, that's not exactly the case.These fruits contain thetartaric acid and potassium bitartrate, substances that our dogs cannot digest well and which reach the kidneys, damaging them.

According to what was reported byGabbro Veterinary Clinic, any dog ​​that ingests grapes or raisins may show symptoms of acute kidney failure.Indeed, grape poisoning is more risky and serious when the fruits are particularly dark, as the substances listed above are present in greater quantities inside the grapes.

Even small quantities of grapes they can cause serious intoxication and renal failure, even causing death in the most serious cases.Therefore, it is clear that it is one of those toxic foods that absolutely must be kept away from our best friend.

My dog ​​has ingested grapes, what should I do?

First of all, there is no need to panic.Nothing may happen, especially if the amount of fruit ingested is minimal.However, not all dogs are the same and those with poorer health or previous gastrointestinal disorders they may show the first symptoms of grape poisoning six hours after ingestion.
Let's take a good look at the dog and check if it has these symptoms:

• lethargy
• vomit
• diarrhea
• tremor
• very little urine

All these most common symptoms, if they continue in the following days, indicate that the dog is suffering from a kidney infection and it is good rush to the vet as soon as possible.

What to do immediately if the dog eats a grape?

Is it possible to intervene immediately after ingestion and prevent the symptoms of grape poisoning from appearing?If you suspect that your dog has eaten grapes and you fear that the situation will get worse, there is only one thing to do: contact your vet.Provide any details you know about the ingestion, such as the approximate amount of grapes or raisins consumed, the dog's weight, and any symptoms we may have noticed.

We absolutely do not induce vomiting.This is a maneuver that requires experience and knowledge of the dog's anatomy and cannot be practiced by just anyone.

Make sure your dog can drink fresh water, but without forcing him.Water can help dilute any toxic substances in the kidneys, but also increase nausea.The vet could personally induce vomiting, or limit himself to administering drugs that act on the kidneys.The dog recovers immediately, but may present some mild symptoms in the days after taking drugs, such as loss of appetite, decrease in body weight, drowsiness.After discharge from the clinic, it is possible that the doctor indicate further and frequent tests, such as urine or blood tests, to evaluate the health of the dog's kidneys.

Conclusions

In conclusion, you have learned a fundamental lesson: do not give grapes to dogs.Let's not give in to his big eyes that beg us, as these are harmful foods that are bad for any dog, regardless of sex, size and state of health.If there is a suspicion that the dog has ingested grapes or raisins, do not panic and contact your trusted veterinarian. We keep the dog away from foods that he cannot eat and let's get him used to it feed only with its own food.Mistakes happen to everyone, but now we know what to do if your dog eats grapes or raisins.