My Dog Ate Grapes or Raisins: Emergency Protocol (Step by Step)

Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. The 2-hour window after ingestion is when decontamination (inducing vomiting) is most effective. Do not wait until symptoms appear. Symptoms of acute kidney injury take 24-72 hours to develop, by which time damage may already have occurred. A consultation fee of approximately $95 applies but is a fraction of the cost of treating established kidney injury.

This is one of the most important things to know. Hydrogen peroxide, a common home remedy for inducing vomiting in dogs, can cause severe haemorrhagic gastroenteritis (bloody vomiting and diarrhoea) and oesophageal burns. It can also aspirate into the lungs. Vomiting should only be induced under veterinary guidance, using apomorphine injection. A poison control operator will tell you whether vomiting is appropriate based on your specific situation.

The operator will ask: your dog's weight (in kg or lb), breed and age, what was eaten (grapes, raisins, sultanas, specific product name), estimated quantity (count of grapes or raisins, or weight if known), time since ingestion, whether symptoms have started, any pre-existing health conditions. Write this down or keep the screen open while you call.

The poison control operator will assess the risk and advise whether immediate veterinary attention is needed. For most grape or raisin ingestions, they will recommend at minimum a vet call and often a visit for decontamination. If you cannot reach poison control, err on the side of going to an emergency vet. Call ahead so they can prepare.

Bring the packaging of any product your dog ate (fruitcake box, trail mix bag, raisin packet). Bring a sample of any vomit if the dog has already been sick - the vet can check for grape or raisin pieces. Bring your dog's regular medications list and health history if you have it. The more information the vet has, the better they can assess the dose.

If the dose was very low in a large dog and the poison control operator advises home monitoring, watch carefully for: vomiting (may contain grape pieces), lethargy, decreased appetite, abdominal pain, reduced urination. Set reminders to check urination at 12h, 24h, 36h, and 48h. If reduced urination or any worsening symptoms occur, go to an emergency vet immediately. A follow-up blood test at 24h and 72h is standard to check kidney values (creatinine and BUN).