Grapes and raisins can cause renal failure (acute kidney failure) in dogs. Dogs that have eaten as little as a handful of grapes or raisins to large quantities of the fruit have suffered from renal failure, with some cases resulting in death.
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History
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In the past, grapes and raisins were used as training treats for dogs, until veterinarians noticed a trend of canines developing renal failure after ingesting grapes. The Animal Poison Control Center of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals first began noticing this pattern in dogs across the United States in 1989. The center managed 140 cases between April 2003 and April 2004, in which seven dogs died.
Causes
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Veterinarians still don&'t know why grapes can cause renal failure in dogs. Cases of kidney failure have occurred in dogs after they have ingested grapes and raisins from different origins and brands, and in various amounts.
Doctors speculate illnesses in dogs could be caused from herbicide or pesticide residue, or fungus, mold and heavy metal contamination. However, no conclusive studies have determined the exact reason grapes are hazardous to dogs&' health.
Symptoms
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Within hours of ingesting grapes, dogs may show symptoms of lethargy, abdominal pain and vomiting. Over the next few days or even weeks, dogs may refuse to eat or drink, and become dehydrated while also developing diarrhea.
Treatment
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Dogs suspected of having eaten any grapes or raisins should visit a veterinarian immediately for a detoxification process. This would mean inducing vomiting in the dog, introducing an agent to the dog&'s system to absorb the excess toxins and providing the animal with plenty of fluids to stimulate the kidneys. Veterinarians would also need to monitor the dog&'s progress and blood chemistry over the next 72 hours. Though aggressive treatments have proven successful for dogs that have been poisoned from eating grapes, prevention is still key.
Prevention
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Keep any grapes or raisins in the house out of reach of dogs, preferably in sealed containers or cabinets out of a pet&'s reach.
Dog owners who grow grapes on their property should ensure that their pets cannot reach grapevines by putting up barriers that dogs cannot jump over, dig under or find their way around.
Other Foods to Avoid
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Dogs should also avoid chocolate, cocoa mulch, fatty foods, nuts, mulch, onions, potatoes, artificial sweeteners, turkey, alcoholic beverages, avocado, all forms of coffee, moldy or spoiled foods, salt, yeast, dough and garlic.
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