The Walking Club

My dog ate grapes or raisins. What should I do?

Treat any amount as serious. Call your vet or a poison line right away.
2 min read·Field notes

Short answer: call your vet or the nearest emergency vet immediately, even if your dog seems fine. Do not wait for signs.

Why any amount counts

Cornell says grapes, raisins, Zante currants, and sultanas can cause acute kidney injury in dogs. The exact amount that causes harm is unknown, and some dogs get sicker than others. Because you cannot predict which dog will be affected, any ingestion should be considered serious. Early action can significantly improve the chance of preventing or lessening kidney damage. For more on this, see Which foods are unsafe for dogs, and what should I do if mine ate one.

What to tell the vet

What your dog ate, roughly how much, and when. They will tell you whether to come in at once or call a poison line first. If your vet is closed, call an emergency vet or an animal poison control service where you live. Some poison lines charge a fee.

Signs to know

Cornell says signs often start within 6 to 24 hours, and can progress over one to three days. They include vomiting, tremors or seizures, and not being able to urinate. A dog can look normal early on, so do not wait.

Hidden sources

Cornell lists tartaric acid as the likely cause, and it is found in grapes, raisins, sultanas, and Zante currants, and also in tamarinds and cream of tartar. Grape juice and wine have not been linked to this problem, but ask your vet about any product.

Prevention

Keep grapes and raisin foods out of reach. Tell family and guests that grapes are not a treat for dogs.

This article is general education, not veterinary advice. If your dog seems unwell, is in pain, or something changed suddenly, call your vet. If it could be an emergency, do not wait.

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RelatedWhich foods are unsafe for dogs, and what should I do if mine ate one?
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