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Emergency
Dogs
Critical toxicity

Grape & Raisin Poisoning
in Dogs

Substance: Grapes, raisins, sultanas, and currants. Symptoms appear within 6-24 hours. Treatment costs £500–£3,000.

Do not wait for symptoms. Call your vet now.

If you suspect your pet has been exposed to grapes, raisins, sultanas, and currants, contact your vet or the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 immediately. The PoisonLine is available 24/7 and run by the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS).

01202 509000
Severity Critical
Affects Dogs
Onset 6-24 hours
Treatment Cost £500–£3,000
Symptoms

What to Look For

Symptoms of grape & raisin poisoning typically appear within 6-24 hours of exposure. You may not see all of these — even one or two should prompt an immediate call to your vet.

Vomiting (often within a few hours)
Diarrhoea
Loss of appetite and lethargy
Abdominal pain and tenderness
Decreased or no urine output (a dangerous sign)
Dehydration
Kidney failure (24-72 hours after ingestion)
Urgent action

What to Do Right Now

If you suspect your pet has been exposed to grapes, raisins, sultanas, and currants, follow these steps.

1

Call your vet or Animal PoisonLine (01202 509000) immediately

2

Even a single grape can be toxic — do NOT wait to see if symptoms develop

3

Note how many grapes/raisins were eaten and when

4

Do NOT try to make your dog sick at home

5

Remember that raisins in cakes, biscuits, and mince pies are just as dangerous

Veterinary treatment

What the Vet Will Do

Treatment depends on how much was ingested and how quickly you seek help. Here is what to expect.

Induced vomiting if within 2 hours of ingestion
Activated charcoal to bind remaining toxins
Aggressive IV fluid therapy for 48-72 hours to protect kidneys
Blood tests every 12-24 hours to monitor kidney function
Anti-nausea medication
Dialysis in severe kidney failure cases (specialist referral)
Treatment costs

How Much It Costs

Estimated UK vet costs for treating grape & raisin poisoning in dogs. Total treatment typically costs £500–£3,000.

Emergency consultation £80-£250
Induced vomiting £50-£150
IV fluids (48-72 hours) £300-£900
Repeated blood tests £150-£400
Hospitalisation (2-3 nights) £400-£1,500
Dialysis (if required) £2,000-£5,000+
Total range £500–£3,000

Prices are estimates based on UK veterinary averages. Out-of-hours emergencies typically cost 1.5–3x more than standard hours. Individual cases vary.

Recovery

Recovery Outlook

The toxic component in grapes remains unknown, and sensitivity varies unpredictably between dogs — some show no ill effects while others develop fatal kidney failure from a single grape. Early decontamination (within 2 hours) dramatically improves prognosis. If kidney failure develops, the prognosis is guarded to poor.

Prevention

How to Prevent This

The best treatment is prevention. Keep your pet safe with these steps.

Never feed grapes, raisins, sultanas, or currants to dogs
Be aware that these are found in mince pies, hot cross buns, fruit cake, and trail mix
Keep fruit bowls out of reach
Brief dog walkers, pet sitters, and visitors about this danger
Check the floor after cooking or baking with dried fruit

Does Pet Insurance Cover Poisoning?

Yes — most pet insurance policies cover accidental poisoning as an emergency, including out-of-hours care, hospitalisation, and specialist referral.

With grape & raisin poisoning treatment costing £500–£3,000, insurance can prevent a medical emergency becoming a financial one too. Check your policy covers emergency treatment with no sub-limit on poisoning.

Compare pet insurance

Find a Vet Near You

Compare vet practices in your area. Check opening hours, emergency availability, and prices before you need them.