Raisins and other dried fruits are toxic to dogs.
The high sugar content of raisins can cause acute renal failure in dogs after single ingestion, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. The organization learned about the dangers of raisins and grapes after treating several dogs that ate them.
Dogs seem to be drawn to anything sweet. They will ingest not only raisins but also other dried fruit with pits including figs, dates, apricots and even dried coconut. If you suspect your dog has eaten any type of dried fruit or food containing raisins contact your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline immediately because untreated renal failure can lead to death within days.
As little as a single serving of raisins or grapes can be toxic to a dog, according to the ASPCA. Veterinary treatment must be sought immediately with aggressive intravenous fluids and other supportive care.
The ASPCA says that although individual cases have been reported in dogs, cats, and birds, the specific toxic component of raisins and grapes has not been identified. In addition to kidney failure, ingestion can result in hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which may cause seizures.
It’s unknown how much is too much for pets; however, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals offers these guidelines:
Be aware that some foods we eat are potentially poisonous to our pets: Chocolate: The caffeine and theobromine it contains can be irritating and even toxic to them. Xylitol: This artificial sweetener found in gum, candy, and baked goods can cause liver failure in animals that ingest it.
Alcoholic beverages: Not only is alcohol toxic to pets, but because animals lack the enzyme that breaks down alcohol, it can cause even more serious problems than drunkenness. Grapes and Raisins: Dogs seem to be especially attracted to grapes and raisins; eating as few as four or five grapes has led to kidney failure in dogs; death has resulted after ingestion of less than a handful of raisins. Xylene (found in shoe polish removers): This petroleum-based liquid is toxic if ingested by cats; symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea and seizures.
Ethanol (alcohol) can also be dangerous for your pet; although it’s not clear how much ethanol causes acute toxicity, chronic ingestion may lead to central nervous system depression. Ethanol is found in alcohol-containing beverages, perfume, aftershave lotions, mouthwashes, and even antibacterial products.
How many raisins will hurt a dog?
Dogs can develop serious health complications when they eat raisins.
However, the exact amount of raisins that a dog would have to eat in order to get sick is unknown.
The Veterinary Information Network states that just a few raisins or grapes can result in acute renal failure and that symptoms of toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy.
Raisins and grapes can be highly toxic to dogs because of their potential for causing acute renal failure.
Just a handful of raisins or grapes could kill a dog, but the specific amount that would cause toxicity is not known.
Will 1 raisin hurt a dog?
Raisins and grapes can be highly toxic to dogs because of their potential for causing acute renal failure.
Just a handful of raisins or grapes could kill a dog, but the specific amount that would cause toxicity is not known.
What happens if a dog eats some raisins?
Dogs can develop serious health complications when they eat raisins such as vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.
However, it’s not clear what the effects would be if a dog ingested just one to five raisins or grapes.
The Veterinary Information Network states that symptoms of toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.
How many dogs have died from eating raisins?
No specific statistics are available on how many dogs have died from eating raisins, but if a dog eats enough of them, it could certainly be fatal.
Toxicity is typically associated with the ingestion of more than six grapes or raisins per kilogram body weight (about 2.72 pounds), according to the ASPCA.
However, just a single serving of raisins could potentially cause problems for some dogs.
[…] Dogs cannot eat raisins because the fruit has been known to cause kidney failure in some animals due to an unknown toxin inside of them. While scientists are not completely sure what the cause of this is, it has been shown to hurt canines. […]