Note: In ToxBuddy (Orion Pharma), the nephrotoxic toxic dose of raisins in dogs is listed as 3g/kg body weight and for grapes the nephrotoxic dose is listed as 20g/kg body weight.

Any asymptomatic dog which has eaten a significant amount of these fruits should be decontaminated immediately.  Please consider the circumstances when advising. Raisins and sultanas weigh between 0.5-1 gram each. We would like you to always be cautious and refer the pet if there is any doubt.

Message to owner

As we discussed I am concerned about the risk of toxicity following your dog’s intake or suspected intake of grapes, raisins, sultanas, or currants.

It is not entirely clear what makes these fruits toxic to dogs, while at the same time, being tolerated well in humans. It has been suggested that the is the toxicity is related to tartaric acid, or the salt of tartaric acid (potassium bitarate), which is found in large amounts in grapes and raisins.

The problem is that some dogs will develop severe signs following exposure and others may not be as badly affected or perhaps completely unaffected by the same dose. Unfortunately, it is not possible to predict which dogs will be severely affected and which will not and therefore the advice is to treat all toxic doses the same.

Common signs of toxicity are:

-          Vomiting

-          Diarrhoea

-          Lethargy

-          Anorexia

-          Ataxia

-          Increased drinking and urination

-          Salivation

-          Seizures

The toxic effects can lead to kidney failure in severe cases.

Urgent treatment is important in dogs that have consumed a significant amount as patients that are treated prior to the signs developing have a much better prognosis for full recovery.

I therefore recommend that you have your dog examined by a veterinary surgeon as soon as possible so that the appropriate decontamination and treatment can be started.

It is a good idea to bring samples of the eaten product to the veterinary surgery.