Posted on September 28, 2024

Grapes? Dog Treats?Absolutely Not.

There are countless experiences we love to share with our pets, from beach outings and leisurely walks to cozy naps and tasty meals. However, when it comes to the latter two, there can be complications, as our furry friends have different dietary tolerances than we do.

Some foods that seem harmless to us can be extremely dangerous for dogs, and grapes are a prime example. While delicious and nutritious for humans, grapes can pose a serious threat to our canine companions. Even a tiny amount can lead to acute kidney failure. It doesn’t matter whether your pet consumes just one or two grapes, or if they’ve had them regularly for weeks—just one instance can jeopardize their kidney health.

Acute renal failure can manifest within 48 hours of ingestion, with symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, stomach pain, increased thirst, and decreased appetite. If you observe any of these signs in your pet, prompt veterinary attention is crucial.

Interestingly, the specific reason why grapes are toxic remains unclear. It doesn’t matter if the grapes are fresh, dried, seeded, or seedless; they all pose a risk. This caution also extends to sultanas and raisins, as well as various foods that may contain raisins like fruitcakes, muesli bars, chutneys, curries, salads, cookies, and certain breads.

If your dog has consumed raisins, grapes, or dried fruit, take them to the vet immediately. In many cases, if sufficient time hasn’t passed since ingestion, your vet may be able to induce vomiting to eliminate the harmful fruits from their system.

You’ve likely heard numerous times that chocolate is harmful to dogs, and that’s for good reason. It can lead to gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting and diarrhea, along with symptoms like hyperactivity, anxiety, and excessive excitement. In larger quantities, chocolate can cause tremors, irregular heartbeats, seizures, and in severe cases, may even lead to a heart attack.

Theobromine is the toxic substance in chocolate affecting dogs and cats, with its concentration varying by chocolate type. Dark chocolate, cocoa powder, and baking chocolate contain higher levels of theobromine compared to milk chocolate, while white chocolate has the lowest amount. The size of your pet and the quantity consumed also play significant roles in the level of toxicity.

If your pet has ingested chocolate, it’s essential to reach out to your veterinarian, even if the amount seems minor. For more information about the effects of chocolate on dogs, you might want to read our article on the topic.

Other foods to steer clear of when feeding your pets include:

• Avocado – This trendy brunch item can pose a threat to dogs! The pits can cause intestinal blockages, while the skin and leaves contain a toxin called Persin.
• Stone Fruits – Fruits like apricots, peaches, and plums have seeds, leaves, and stems that contain cyanide, which can be harmful, and the pits carry the risk of intestinal blockage. With summer favorites, it’s essential to keep these fruit trees away from your pets.
• Apple Seeds – While you might think it’s odd to feed your dog apple seeds, many people offer their pets the core, which contains the seeds. These seeds have cyanide and can be toxic in large amounts. If you wish to give your dog some apple, be sure to remove the seeds and slice it into small pieces.
• Cherries – Both the seeds and the cherry plant itself contain cyanide, making them toxic to dogs.
• Currants – These can have effects similar to those of grapes and raisins.
• Citrus Oil – While most citrus is generally unappealing to dogs, ingestion of citrus oils can lead to vomiting and stomach upset.While you may already know which foods are harmful to your pets, it's essential to remind your guests during holidays and family gatherings not to sneak them any snacks under the table. If they happen to offer items like fruitcake or any other foods that are toxic to dogs, it could lead to an emergency visit to the vet, cutting your celebrations short.

There are many alternative ways to keep your dog entertained while you enjoy your meal. Instead of offering them chocolate, consider rewarding them with carob drops instead. You might also think about giving them an engaging treat that not only occupies them but also helps satisfy their hunger between meals!

By campknine.com