Realizing “My dog ate a grape or raisin (or a lot of grapes or raisins)” can be scary. To help you navigate this situation, integrative veterinarian Dr. Julie Buzby invited emergency veterinarian Dr. Kathryn Williams to the blog. Dr. Williams explains why grapes or raisins are so dangerous for dogs and discusses what to do if your dog eats grapes or raisins. Plus, she answers five FAQs about grape and raisin toxicity in dogs.
It was a surprisingly quiet day at the emergency hospital when Bingo walked in the door. This lively, happy 5-month-old Beagle puppy was not my typical emergency patient. Most of my patients are lethargic, coughing, limping, or have some sort of wound. But not Bingo! He was wagging his little tail so hard that his whole body shook with excitement.
My veterinary nurse, who had spoken with Bingo’s family, reported that the kids in the house had shared their snacks of grapes with Bingo. I evaluated Bingo and determined that all of his vitals were normal. And then I headed out to talk to his family.
Since grapes are toxic to dogs, I recommended that his mom call ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. While she was on the phone with the toxicologists, we gave Bingo medication to induce vomiting. Thankfully, he vomited up about 10 grapes.
After that, I touched base with the ASPCA toxicologists to discuss a game plan. While this Beagle puppy’s prognosis was a lot better after vomiting up the grapes, we decided to keep Bingo in the hospital for fluid therapy and monitoring.
As a veterinarian and dog owner, I get this question a lot: “Are grape stems poisonous to dogs?” The short answer is – while grape stems aren’t specifically proven to be toxic, they’re still potentially dangerous for our furry friends. Let me break down everything you need to know about grape stems and your dog’s safety.
The Quick Answer
Grape stems themselves haven’t been definitively proven toxic to dogs However, since grapes and raisins are highly toxic to dogs and can cause severe kidney failure, veterinarians recommend keeping ALL parts of grapes away from dogs – including the stems – just to be safe.
Understanding Grape Toxicity in Dogs
Here’s what we know for sure about grapes and dogs
- Even a single grape can potentially be toxic to some dogs
- The toxic substance in grapes remains unknown to scientists
- Different dogs have different sensitivity levels
- Small dogs are at higher risk due to their size
- Kidney failure is the biggest danger
Common Symptoms of Grape Poisoning
If your pup has eaten any part of a grape, watch for these signs
- Vomiting (usually within 24 hours)
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Decreased urination
- Increased thirst
The Debate Around Grape Stems
Lemme be real with you – there’s still some debate in the veterinary community about grape stems. Here’s what we know:
Arguments for Stem Toxicity:
- Stems are part of the grape plant
- The unknown toxic compound might be present in stems
- Better safe than sorry approach
Arguments Against Stem Toxicity:
- No confirmed cases of stem-only toxicity
- Limited scientific testing on stems specifically
- Different plant composition than fruit
What Should You Do If Your Dog Eats Grape Stems?
- Don’t panic! But act quickly
- Contact your vet immediately
- Note how many stems were eaten
- Watch for symptoms
- Follow vet’s instructions precisely
Treatment Usually Involves:
- Inducing vomiting (if caught early)
- IV fluid therapy
- Blood work monitoring
- Supportive care
Prevention Tips
Ya know what they say – prevention is better than cure! Here’s how to keep your doggo safe:
- Store grapes in sealed containers
- Clean up fallen grapes thoroughly
- Dispose of stems in covered trash bins
- Teach kids not to share grapes with pets
- Be careful with grape-containing foods
Safe Snack Alternatives
Instead of grapes, try these safe treats:
- Carrot sticks
- Apple slices (no seeds)
- Blueberries
- Green beans
- Sweet potato chunks
The Bottom Line
While we can’t say for certain that grape stems are as dangerous as the fruit itself, it’s best to err on the side of caution. As your friendly neighborhood vet, I always tell my clients – why risk it when there are so many safe alternatives?
Remember: If your dog does eat grape stems or any part of a grape, don’t wait to see if symptoms develop. Contact your vet right away. Quick action could save your pup’s life!
Quick Reference Table: What to Watch For
| Timeframe | Symptoms to Monitor |
|---|---|
| 0-6 hours | Vomiting, diarrhea |
| 6-12 hours | Lethargy, decreased appetite |
| 12-24 hours | Changes in urination |
| 24+ hours | Signs of kidney issues |
Stay safe, pet parents! And remember, when in doubt, keep those grape stems (and all grape products) far away from your four-legged friends. Better to be safe than sorry with our furry family members!
FAQ #2: My dog ate raisin bread. Is this bad for her?
Any raisin-containing product, such as raisin bread, cinnamon raisin bagels, oatmeal raisin cookies, chocolate-covered raisins, Raisin Bran cereal, or yogurt-covered raisins could be toxic for dogs. While cooking the raisins may slightly decrease their toxicity, they can still cause kidney failure in many dogs. If your dog eats raisins in trail mix, baked goods, or any other food, please promptly contact ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center or Pet Poison Helpline for advice.
What is the treatment for grape toxicity?
As with any toxicity, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The sooner we can intervene, the better the prognosis. When talking about a toxin like grapes that cause kidney failure or even death, that is a big deal.
A lot of dog parents will ask if they can take their dog home and monitor him or her and then return if they start seeing symptoms. Unfortunately, by the time we see signs of toxicity, kidney damage has already happened. Thus, it is far better to intervene early to prevent the damage from occurring.
Treatment usually involves the following:
- Inducing vomiting within 4 to 6 hours of consuming grapes or raisins
- Monitoring kidney values the first day, then every 24 hours to ensure they are not increasing
- Administering intravenous fluids to flush the toxin from the body and support kidney function
- Sometimes giving activated charcoal to help bind any remaining toxin in the stomach and intestines
Depending on when your dog consumed grapes, and if the grapes were able to be removed by inducing vomiting, your dog will probably stay in the hospital for 24 to 72 hours.
Are grapes and raisins poisonous for dogs? Dr. Dan talks symptoms and treatment for grape toxicity.
FAQ
Is grape stem toxic?
For reference: grape stems are not toxic, only grapes. Confirmed with poison control. : r/RoverPetSitting.Sep 15, 2023
What if a dog eats grape vines?
- Decreased appetite
- Lethargy or weakness
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea within a few hours
- Tenderness in the abdomen
- Dehydration
- Increased thirst and urine production
- Decreased or no urine production
What part of the grape is toxic to dogs?
The toxic substance in grapes and raisins, which can cause kidney failure in dogs, is present in both the flesh and the skin of the fruit.
Are grape vines safe for dogs?
If ingested in large quantities, they may cause GI upset such as vomiting or diarrhea. The concern would be if there were grapes on the vines that your dog could ingest. Grapes can be very toxic, causing kidney damage or failure after even a small amount is ingested.
Are grapes toxic to dogs?
Grapes and raisins are highly toxic for dogs, regardless of breed, age, or gender. There is ongoing research about why that is. The toxic substance in grapes is unknown, but dogs cannot metabolize tannins, flavonoids, and monosaccharides from grapes. This could be the main reason for grape toxicity in dogs.
Can dogs eat grape leaves?
All types of grapes — whether red or green, cooked, seedless, peeled, dried, or fresh — can be toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. Grape toxicity is linked to kidney damage. Eating grapes of any kind and in any form can result in sudden kidney (renal) failure and even death.
What happens if a dog eats a grape stem?
The consequences of grape toxicity are too severe to risk it. If you catch your dog chewing on a grape stem or notice remnants in their stool, be vigilant for any symptoms: Contact your vet immediately if any concerning symptoms develop after your dog ate a grape stem. Timely treatment is critical.
Can a dog die if he eats a grape?
If your pup only ate a single grape or a few grapes and was treated right away, depending on his size, he should be fine. But if kidney damage occurred and he’s not producing urine, then he could die, since kidneys cannot repair themselves.
Which foods are poisonous to dogs?
The list below outlines 50 foods that are poisonous to dogs. 1. Grapes & raisins: Grapes and raisins are highly toxic to dogs and can cause rapid kidney failure, even in small amounts. The exact toxin hasn’t been identified, but ingestion has led to fatal outcomes in dogs of all breeds and sizes.
Can dogs eat Grape Jam?
Dogs should not eat grape jam. All grapes and products containing grapes, in any amount, can be highly toxic to your dog. Eating grapes can lead to kidney failure or even death in dogs. If you suspect your dog has eaten grapes, you should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. (Photo Credit: Monkey Business Images/Dreamstime)