Grapes do not belong on the menu for dogs. Even small amounts can cause serious health problems and even death. Here we explain what this finding is based on and how dog owners should deal with it.
Grape poisoning only affects dogs
Why grapes are toxic to dogs is still being researched feverishly. What is certain is that this effect is limited to dogs. After consumption, severe symptoms of poisoning often occur, such as vomiting and stomach cramps. Fatal kidney failure occurs again and again. As scientists have established, grapes and raisins are dangerous for dogs in these quantities:
- from 10 grams of grapes per kilogram of body weight
- from 3 grams of raisins per kilogram of body weight
It follows that a dog weighing 20 kilograms is at risk from a quantity of 200 grams of grapes. If he eats 60 grams of raisins, there is a risk of life-threatening kidney failure. This also applies to grapes from our own garden, which have been cultivated completely organically. According to current knowledge, the use of pesticides has no influence on toxicity.
If in doubt, better go to the vet
Not all dog breeds are generally affected. Of course, there is still a lack of reliable knowledge on this point. So far it has been observed that one race happily devoured grapes, while the other race showed the first symptoms of poisoning after just a few berries. If there is a suspicion, a precautionary visit to the veterinarian is recommended.
Ideally, you shouldn't even get your dog interested in it. In addition, grapes and raisins should always be stored out of the reach of your four-legged friend.
tips and tricks
Dog owners in wine-growing regions should avoid walking through the vineyards. Even grape tester has the feared toxic effect on dogs. Since these residues are often used as fertilizer after pressing grapes, your dog could nibble on them.
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