Pets and Poison—Grapes

Grapes may be a delicious and healthy snack for humans, but for our pets, they pose a serious threat. While many pet parents are aware of common toxins such as chocolate and certain household plants, not everyone realises that grapes—and their dried counterparts, raisins or sultanas —can be highly toxic to dogs and, potentially, cats. Understanding the risks and knowing how to react if your pet ingests grapes is crucial for keeping them safe.

Why Are Grapes Toxic to Pets?

Unlike some toxic foods where the harmful compounds are well understood, the exact substance in grapes that causes poisoning in pets remains unknown. What is clear, however, is that ingestion of even a small number of grapes, raisins or sultanas can lead to severe health issues, including acute kidney failure in dogs. Some pets may experience poisoning from just a few grapes, while others might consume more before showing symptoms. Because sensitivity varies between individual animals, there is no safe amount.

Symptoms of Grape Poisoning

Signs of grape or raisin toxicity can appear within a few hours of ingestion and may worsen over time. Symptoms to watch for include:

• Vomiting (often within a few hours of consumption)

• Loss of appetite

• Lethargy or weakness

• Abdominal pain

• Increased thirst and urination (early stages)

• Decreased or no urination (later stages, indicating kidney failure)

• Diarrhoea

If left untreated, grape poisoning can progress to kidney failure, which can be life-threatening.

What to Do If Your Pet Eats Grapes

If you suspect that your dog or cat has eaten grapes, raisins or sultanas, immediate action is crucial. Follow these steps:

1. Seek immediate veterinary attention. Time is critical in preventing serious consequences.

2. Do not wait for symptoms to appear. Even if your pet seems fine, kidney damage can develop before signs become obvious.

3. Follow our advice. We may recommend inducing vomiting if the ingestion was recent, administering activated charcoal to absorb toxins, blood and urine tests as well as hospitalising your pet for IV fluids and monitoring.

Prevention Is Key

The best way to protect your pet is through prevention:

• Keep grapes and raisins out of reach. Store them in secure containers and avoid leaving them on tables or counters.

• Educate family members. Ensure that everyone in the household, including children, knows that grapes are dangerous to pets.

• Check food labels. Some processed foods, such as cereals, granola bars and baked goods, may contain raisins without being obvious.

Final Thoughts

Grape and raisin toxicity is a serious and potentially fatal condition in pets, particularly dogs. Since the exact toxic dose is unknown and varies among individuals, the safest approach is to completely avoid giving grapes to your pets and to act quickly if ingestion occurs. If in doubt, always consult a veterinarian—when it comes to poisoning, swift action can save lives.

By staying informed and taking preventive measures, pet families can ensure that their furbabies remain happy, healthy and safe from toxic foods.