Although grapes and raisins are safe for human consumption, these foods can cause kidney damage in dogs. The damage can be extensive leading to hypovolemic shock (severe imbalance of bodily fluids) and deprivation of oxygen to the kidneys. Although it’s not clear which toxin is the culprit, compounds such as ochratoxin, tannins, and flavonoids are theorized to play a role.

Within the first 24 hours of exposure or consumption, your pet may begin vomiting. Vomiting is the body’s natural defense to expel the “bad stuff” we eat. This can be followed by a few days or weeks of diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite and abdominal pain. Your pet may also develop  dehydration and urinate less frequently. Ultimately overexposure to these toxins may lead to acute renal failure (shut down of kidney function) and metabolic abnormalities.

Treatment is usually aggressive and often requires hospitalization. Decontamination of the gastrointestinal tract involves emesis, or inducing vomiting, and administration of activated charcoal, which helps to bind to the toxins (think of it as a toxin magnet or sponge). Treatment also includes intravenous fluid therapy for at least 48 hours along with careful monitoring of vital signs, urine production, and serial blood tests to monitor for any indications of kidney damage.

Play it safe and keep grapes and raisins away from pets!