My vet told me that chocolate and grapes are bad if not lethal to dogs.?

Question

I knew the chocolate part but that was the first time I have ever heard about the grapes. What is it about grapes that could harm dogs? What is it in chocolate that can harm dogs?

Answer 1

As far as grapes and raisins go, no one is sure why they're harmful. It's been confirmed that even grapes grown without fertilizers or pesticides can be toxic to dogs. But not to every dog, and not every time. It's also not known whether small amounts eaten over a long time period could have a cumulative effect.

What we do know is that the end result in nearly all reported cases of grape or raisin toxicity is acute kidney failure. (The term "acute" means that the condition is severe and comes on quickly.) The dog ultimately can't produce urine, which means they can't filter toxins out of their systems -- a process essential to life.

During the twelve-month period in which the effects of grapes were studied, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center handled 140 cases involving one or more dogs. Over a third of the dogs developed symptoms ranging from vomiting to kidney failure, and seven dogs died. The ASPCA based their study on reported cases, so naturally there may be cases where a dogs health is entirely unaffected by eating grapes. But until they know all the facts, the Society advises against feeding pets grapes or raisins in any amount.

An ounce of prevention

So, your dog just scored himself a big box of raisins. What's a pet owner to do?

The first line of defense, if the grapes or raisins were eaten recently, is to induce vomiting and administer activated charcoal (it absorbs toxins in the GI tract). Vomiting is also the first sign that your dog is in trouble, so skip right to the activated charcoal if vomiting has already occurred. (In a pinch you can make your own activated charcoal by charring a piece of toast until it's blackened and crumbles easily.) Then call your vet right away.

Can't reach the vet? Call ASPCA Poison Control: 888-426-4435

The vet will keep your dog on intravenous fluids for at least 48 hours and monitor blood chemistry daily. Normal blood work after 3 days usually means your dog is in the clear.

Keeping a watchful eye out, of course, is the best way to keep your pet out of trouble. Like children, dogs (and other pets) have a knack for getting into mischief when we're not looking.

Answer 2

Cocoa powder’s contents vary according to growing conditions and other factors, but cocoa’s chemicals can be as concentrated as those in baking chocolate. Even cocoa bean shell mulch, a popular garden product, can be toxic when swallowed by chocolate-craving chow hounds. Who would imagine that grapes and raisins could be poisonous to dogs? Yet, for reasons not yet understood, some dogs have experienced effects ranging from vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy to intense thirst followed by acute renal failure.

Answer 3

All caffeine is bad for dogs so is onion. You can give them cooked eggs or liver. but Just give dogs a good dry food. Like Royal Canin or Eukanuba with a teaspoon of olive oil and they are good to go. the olive oil keeps the coat & heart healthy. I use the Royal Canin and my dogs love it and are very healthy . My vet really likes the food.

Answer 4

The first answer is accurate regarding chocolate. Grapes or raisins, seeless or not are toxic to dogs. Hypercalcemia (elevated blood calcium levels) is frequently present, as well as elevated levels of blood urea nitrogen, creatinine and phosphorous (substances that reflect kidney function).
http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/raisins.asp
-MM

Answer 5

Chocolate contains caffeine (and theobromine or theophylline) can affect the heart and nervous system

Grapes contain a toxin that can damage the kidneys

Answer 6

NO candy is good for a Dog, and there is a Chocolate that a very small piece will kill it. But I am not going to mention the name on YA as you probably know why.

Answer 7

grapes and raisins and onions are not good for dogs. - grapes i think mess with thier kidneys. - as for choc. it is the caffiene in it that is not good for dogs. therefore, dark choc, and baking (unsweetened choc) is the worst. milk choc is not going to kill them. in fact, my basset hound used to eat fudge rounds like it was his job... (i was little and hed steal them from me) and we give my dogs an M&M every once in a while. my dad gives my dog choc a lot (a small amount) and I yell at him, but nothing has ever happened to her.

Answer 8

Grapes and corn can ferment in the dogs stomach.

Answer 9

the only thing about grapes i could think of would be seeds..unless they are seedless, and the skin(which doesn't digest easily) could plug their bowels. but as for chocoalte..yes it's bad. but my g-pa also use to give our siberian husky a tootsie roll all the time..and he lived to be 13!

Answer 10

grapes have a acid level so high that they cause hart failure in dogs of all kinds.