Grapes are a great snack for humans, but can dogs eat grapes? Or are they too dangerous for Rover to snack on? Interested in learning more about dog food safety? Read on.
In this article
Why can’t dogs eat grapes?
You already know the answer to your “can dogs eat grapes?” question – it’s a big no no. But why, exactly? Scientists have been searching for years to pinpoint the exact reason why grapes are so poisonous to dogs. All varieties are toxic, including seedless and ones with seeds. The colour of the skin doesn’t matter either.
But strangely enough, grape juice doesn’t seem to have the same effect.
Studies have tried to determine whether pesticides, fungus, or another factor is to blame, but no definitive answer has been found yet. However, research seems to indicate it might be tartaric acid that’s to blame.
What if dogs eat small amounts of grapes?
Much like chocolate toxicity, the severity of grape poisoning does depend on the amount eaten and the size of the dog.
A large dog mightn’t show any immediate or obvious signs of distress after eating a couple of grapes. But a small dog may get sick very quickly after eating only one. On top of that, some dogs seem to be more sensitive than others, regardless of their size.
Unfortunately, there’s no way to predict which category your dog will fall into.
Some signs of grape poisoning in dogs include:
- Vomiting and/or diarrhoea (often the first symptom)
- Lethargy or weakness
- Sensitive or tender abdomen
- Dehydration
- Lack of appetite
- Increased thirst and urine production
- Decreased or no urine production
In severe cases, a dog’s kidneys may stop functioning and they could lapse into a coma. This is usually within 48 hours or so from ingestion. Once this stage has been reached, the dog has a very small chance of full recovery.
That’s right. Unfortunately, a dog can die from ingesting a grape, even if it’s not a dog choking kind of situation.
What to do if your dog eats grapes
Because dogs can’t eat grapes, you should take your dog to a vet straight away if they’ve ingested any. The quicker the treatment, the better their chances of recovery. If you’ve any suspicions at all that your dog may’ve accessed grapes, raisins, currants, or similar, you should get immediate medical attention.
It’s not an overreaction on your behalf. The early signs of grape poisoning in dogs are often very generalised or non-specific, so they may go unnoticed. Read about the experience of Harvey the Schnauzer here.
Interested in more tips on ensuring your pet’s safety, especially in terms of dog food? Check out these dog food-related blog posts:
- Can Dogs Eat … ?
- How to Change Your Pet’s Food Without Upsetting Their Tummy
- What Does AAFCO Stand for in Pet Food?
- Pet Food Insights with Royal Canin and Purina
- Can Dogs Eat Bones Safely?
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