Joseph Bisignano, DVM, is a Southern California internal medicine specialist who holds a leadership role at the Metropolitan Animal Specialty Hospital. One of Joseph Bisignano, DVM’s areas of focus is canine health. He has in-depth knowledge of dietary habits that can be dangerous or fatal to dogs.
A common snack among humans, grapes and raisins have long been associated with toxicity and kidney failure in canines. Upon ingesting a few grapes, some dogs display only mild symptoms, which can include vomiting, increased thirst, and diarrhea. But others experience acute renal failure.
In 2021, researchers at the ASPCA Poison Control Center published findings pinpointing tartaric acid as the culprit in this. This discovery came from an isolated case of poisoning related to homemade playdough that turned out to have been made with a unique recipe containing cream of tartar. Scientists extrapolated that a combination of tartaric acid and potassium bitartrate in the dough was to blame.
Grapes contain these elements in abundance. What this means in practical terms is that any suspected case of grape or raisin ingestion by one’s dog should be taken seriously. A trusted vet or an animal poison control service such as the Pet Poison Helpline should be contacted.
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