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Tag: toxic foods for dogs

  • Grapes and Raisins Are Toxic to Dogs | Animal Wellness Magazine

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    Dog parents want to share everything with their furry family member, including tasty snacks. However, some foods that seem harmless can actually be toxic for dogs. Grapes and raisins are among the most toxic foods your canine companion can eat.

    Why Are Grapes and Raisins So Dangerous?

    Scientists have recently discovered that tartaric acid and its salt form are likely the toxic parts of grapes and raisins. These chemicals are found in high amounts in fresh grapes, raisins, sultanas, and Zante currants. The scary part is that we don’t know exactly how many grapes or raisins will make a dog sick. Some dogs might get very ill from just a few grapes, while others might eat more and show fewer signs. Because we can’t predict which dogs will be affected, any amount should be treated as dangerous.

    ASPCA toxicologists revealed what the suspected toxic component in grapes and raisins was (tartaric acid) in a 2022 research study published in the Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care. Since dogs are not able to process tartaric acid, exposure to grapes and raisins can lead to gastrointestinal upset, lethargy, excessive thirst, tremors, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, irreversible kidney damage.

    Veterinary professionals have long known that grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs, but the specific toxic agent had not been clearly identified. While evaluating clinical signs, laboratory findings, and histopathological lesions in animals exposed to cream of tartar and tamarinds—substances that often cause kidney damage—ASPCA toxicologists discovered that the kidneys of affected dogs resembled those of dogs exposed to grapes and raisins. From these observations, the toxicologists concluded that the harmful agent in all these cases, including poisonings involving tamarinds, cream of tartar, grapes, and raisins, is tartaric acid.

    What Happens When Dogs Eat Grapes or Raisins?

    The main concern is acute kidney injury, which can be life-threatening. Signs usually show up within 6 to 24 hours after your dog eats grapes or raisins. Watch for these early warning signs:

    • Vomiting (this happens most often)
    • Diarrhea
    • Not wanting to eat
    • Being very tired
    • Drooling more than usual
    • Belly pain

    If the poisoning gets worse over 1 to 3 days, you might notice:

    • Drinking and urinating much more than normal
    • Weakness or trouble walking
    • Swollen legs
    • Shaking or seizures
    • Unable to urinate at all

    What Should You Do Right Away?

    If your dog eats any grapes or raisins, don’t wait to see if symptoms appear. Call your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately. You can also contact these poison control hotlines:

    • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
    • Pet Poison Helpline

    Tell them exactly what your dog ate, how much, and when it happened. Time is very important because early treatment gives your dog the best chance of recovery.

    Treatment and Recovery

    There’s no specific cure for grape poisoning, so treatment focuses on getting the fruit out of your dog’s system and supporting their body while it heals. Your vet might make your dog vomit and give IV fluids in the hospital. Dogs need careful monitoring for at least two days with blood tests to check kidney function.

    The good news is that dogs who get treatment quickly and never develop symptoms usually do very well. However, once kidney problems start, the situation becomes more serious.

    Prevention is always better than treatment. Never give your dog or cat grapes, raisins, or foods containing them. Keep these foods stored safely away from curious noses, and make sure your trash cans are secure. Dog and cat owners both should be more cautious when using products containing tartaric acid, including homemade playdough and tamarind paste.

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  • Keeping Your Dog Safe This Halloween | Animal Wellness Magazine

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    Halloween brings lots of fun with costumes, decorations, and trick-or-treaters. But this spooky holiday can create some real dangers for our furry friends. As dog parents, it’s important to know about these risks so you can keep your pet safe while still enjoying the festivities.

    Candy and Food Dangers

    The biggest Halloween threat to dogs is candy and other treats. Many popular Halloween goodies are toxic to dogs and can cause serious health problems.

    Chocolate is the most dangerous. It contains substances called methylxanthines that dogs can’t process properly. Dark chocolate is especially harmful, but any amount can make your dog very sick. Signs of chocolate poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, and tremors.

    Xylitol is another major concern. Xylitol is a sugar substitute is found in sugar-free gum and candy. Even tiny amounts can cause your dog’s blood sugar to drop dangerously low, leading to seizures or liver damage.

    Other foods to keep away from your dog include raisins, which can cause kidney failure, and anything with garlic or onions. Always keep Halloween candy in sealed containers where curious paws can’t reach them.

    Costume Safety

    If you plan to dress up your dog, make sure their costume fits properly and doesn’t restrict breathing or movement. Avoid costumes with small parts that could be swallowed. Some dogs feel stressed in costumes, so watch for signs of discomfort like excessive panting or trying to remove the outfit.

    Decorations and Hazards

    Halloween decorations can pose risks too. Keep these items away from your dog:

    • Fake spider webs and string lights that could cause choking
    • Candles that might be knocked over
    • Small decorative items that could be swallowed
    • Glow sticks, which contain chemicals that can irritate your dog’s mouth

    Managing Trick-or-Treat Stress

    The constant doorbell ringing and strangers in costumes can stress many dogs. Some pets may become fearful or reactive to people in masks or unusual clothing.

    Create a quiet, safe space for your dog away from the front door. Use white noise or calming music to mask the sounds of trick-or-treaters. Consider giving your dog a special long-lasting treat or puzzle toy to keep them occupied.

    If your dog is particularly anxious about loud noises or strangers, talk to your veterinarian ahead of time about anti-anxiety medications that might help.

    Keep Your Dog Secure

    With doors opening frequently for trick-or-treaters, there’s a higher chance your dog could escape. Make sure they’re wearing proper ID tags and that their microchip information is current. Keep them in a secure area of your home during peak trick-or-treat hours.

    When to Call Your Vet

    If your dog eats chocolate, candy, or anything they shouldn’t, contact your veterinarian right away. Don’t wait to see if symptoms develop. Keep these numbers handy: your vet’s clinic, the nearest emergency animal hospital, and the Pet Poison Helpline.

    With some planning and awareness, you and your dog can have a safe and happy Halloween. Remember, when in doubt, always consult with your veterinarian about the best ways to keep your furry family member healthy during the holiday season.

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