Never use grapes or raisins as a treat or snack for your canine. In large quantities, they can prove lethal to dogs by causing renal failure. The kidneys shut down so that the dog can no longer urinate. Once this happens, the other organs will also stop functioning.
The toxic dose is about 32g/kg or 1 oz/kg--using kg to represent the dog's weight/mass. So if you have a pup that weighs 40 lb, then 1280 g or 40 oz. constitutes a lethal dose. According to the ASPCA, as few as seven grapes can kill a dog.
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Symptoms During The First 24 Hours
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Signs of poisoning include vomiting and diarrhea, which usually occurs within a few hours of his ingestion of the grapes. You might notice pieces of the fruit in his stool or vomit.
"If you suspect your dog has eaten a large amount of raisins or grapes," says the Dog Breed Info Center, then "take your dog to a veterinarian immediately, and have them contact the Animal Poison Control Center for assistance. Have your veterinarian initiate decontamination measures, and administer fluids and/or dialysis to assist/restart the dog's kidneys. Be aware that initially your veterinarian may suspect rat poison as the above symptoms are very similar to the symptoms of rat poison."
Advanced Symptoms At 48 Hours
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He will refuse food but will drink more water than usual. Your pet won't want to play with you. He'll become very lethargic and show difficulty in walking if he does try to move around. Pressing on his belly will cause pain and he'll whimper. If the vet does not see him, the dog will eventually drift off in a coma-like state. If the condition persists to this stage, the dog will probably not revive.
Treatment By Induced Vomiting
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The vet will first induce vomiting with hydrogen peroxide or other drugs and may also administer activated charcoal. The toxins in the gastrointestinal tract will adsorb on to the surface of the charcoal. The pet needs to vomit as soon and as much as possible to avoid damage to the stomach lining due to the toxin.
Treatment By Dialysis and IV Fluids
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Even though the pet may want to drink water, diarrhea will dehydrate him. The dog will gradually decrease urination until the urine flow ceases entirely due to kidney failure. Dialysis will replace the kidney function by removing urea waste products from the blood. Fluids administered by IV will provide nourishment and water. Since the dog will refuse food, weakness will result so that he can't drink.
Improvement
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Generally, the vet will describe the pet's condition as "guarded." Depending on how soon the vet began treatment and on the canine's overall health condition, the pet may begin pulling out of it in a few days. If not, the vet may recommend euthanasia.
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