Grapes and raisins in dogs: preventing kidney injury
30 kg Golden Retriever that ate a handful of raisins from a cake an hour ago. It is asymptomatic; baseline creatinine is normal.
What is the most appropriate management?
chevron_right Show answer and explanation
A. Induce emesis, give activated charcoal, intravenous fluids for about 48 hours and serial creatinine up to 72 hours
Correct. Toxicity is unpredictable and no safe dose is known. Early decontamination and fluids are the best prevention of acute kidney injury.
B. No treatment, because the amount per kilogram is small for a 30 kg dog
No reliable dose–response relationship has been established: some dogs develop kidney injury with small amounts while others tolerate large amounts.
C. Repeat creatinine at 24 hours and start fluids only if it has risen
Waiting for azotaemia is too late: tubular injury is already established and the risk of oliguria or anuria increases.
D. Prophylactic furosemide and dopamine to maintain diuresis
They do not prevent kidney injury. Furosemide is considered only in the oliguric phase in a well-hydrated animal, and renal-dose dopamine has shown no benefit.
lightbulb Key takeaway
Grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants are nephrotoxic in dogs; tartaric acid has been proposed as the toxic principle. Vomiting within the first hours is the initial sign and azotaemia appears at 24–72 hours. If oliguria or anuria develops despite fluids, the prognosis worsens and haemodialysis may be needed.
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Updated: October 31, 2026 · Educational content for veterinary professionals. It does not replace current clinical guidelines or the judgement of the attending veterinarian.