Health Warning - DOGS

[Emm]

RAISINS & GRAPES

Animal Poison Control Center has documented multiple cases of grape and raisin poisoning in dogs within the last couple of years.

Presumably, this has occurred in the past but has been attributed to other causes.

· What Kind of Grapes & Raisins?

Grapes of all varieties and growing conditions (including home-grown) have been implicated. All raisins of any source should be considered kidney toxic (chocolate covered raisins as well).

· Why?

The toxic principle is unknown. It is unlikely pesticide residue is involved due to the wide variety of grape types involved. So far the majority of toxicosis reports have been in dogs.

However, feeding grapes or raisins to cats and ferrets should also be discouraged.

· How Many Would Poison Your Dog?

The minimum toxic dose is approximately 0.3 oz/kg body weight. This would correspond to about 2 grapes per kg body weight, or roughly 1 grape per pound of body weight.

Raisins, having less water, are considered more toxic at 6 raisins per kg of body weight, or 2-3 raisins per pound of body weight.

· What are the symptoms?

Symptoms appear 6-24 hours after the dog eats raisins or grapes (average is 12 hours).

Vomiting is usually the primary sign, with diarrhoea, depression/lethargy, anorexia, colic, dehydration and sharply decreased urine output. The course of the toxicosis is anywhere from 3 days to 3 weeks. Dogs with kidney problems have a guarded to poor prognosis.

Diagnosis is based on a history of recent exposure and blood tests.

· Treatment

If the raisins or grapes have been ingested within 2-3 hours, vomiting should be induced followed by activated charcoal to limit further absorption. Treatment is based on preventing further absorption if appropriate and maintaining urine output & electrolyte balance. The vet may also give an osmotic cathartic (to speed up GI passage of toxin without absorption). The animal should receive an isotonic saline solution IV at twice maintenance rates for 48 hours. Anti-nausea medication, diuretics and peritoneal dialysis may be needed in some cases.

[Monsy]

It's unbelievable isn't it?

I didn't think dogs would be too fond of grapes, but they would like raisins.

The best way to keep a dog healthy seems to be to stick to comercially produced dog food and biscuits, and not give them any treats at all.

They will insist on staring beseechingly 'til you give in though!