🚨 VETERINARY EMERGENCY - ACT IMMEDIATELY
If your dog has eaten grapes or raisins, contact your veterinarian or emergency animal hospital IMMEDIATELY. Grape and raisin toxicity can cause fatal kidney failure. Time is critical - treatment is most effective within 2 hours of ingestion. DO NOT WAIT for symptoms to appear. This calculator is for informational purposes only and does NOT replace emergency veterinary care.
Dog Raisin Toxicity Calculator
Calculate the potential toxicity level if your dog has ingested grapes or raisins. This calculator uses veterinary toxicology data to assess risk based on your dog's weight and the amount consumed. Grapes and raisins contain tartaric acid which can cause acute kidney injury in dogs, with toxicity occurring at doses as low as 2.8 grams per kilogram for raisins.
Calculate Toxicity Risk
Dog's Weight
What Was Ingested?
Amount Ingested
Approximate count if uncertain
Time Since Ingestion
Understanding Grape & Raisin Toxicity
Toxicity Calculations & Thresholds
1. Minimum Toxic Dose (Raisins):
\( \text{Toxic Dose (g)} = \text{Dog Weight (kg)} \times 2.8 \text{ g/kg} \)
Lowest reported dose causing acute kidney injury for raisins. Individual susceptibility varies significantly - some dogs show toxicity at lower doses.
2. Minimum Toxic Dose (Fresh Grapes):
\( \text{Toxic Dose (g)} = \text{Dog Weight (kg)} \times 19.6 \text{ g/kg} \)
Lowest reported dose causing kidney injury for fresh grapes. Grapes contain ~80% water, making them less concentrated than raisins.
3. Dose per Body Weight Calculation:
\( \text{Dose per kg} = \frac{\text{Amount Ingested (g)}}{\text{Dog Weight (kg)}} \)
This calculates exposure level to assess risk. Compare this to toxic thresholds to determine severity.
4. Simple Risk Assessment (Per 10 lbs):
\( \text{Risk exists if} > 1 \text{ grape or raisin per 10 lbs (4.5 kg)} \)
General veterinary guideline from Merck Veterinary Manual. Any amount above this warrants immediate veterinary consultation.
Toxic Dose Reference Chart
⚠️ WARNING: These are MINIMUM toxic doses. Toxicity can occur at lower amounts. Any ingestion warrants veterinary consultation.
Symptoms & Clinical Signs
Early Signs (6-12 hours)
- Vomiting (often with pieces of grape/raisin)
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy, weakness
- Abdominal pain
- Dehydration
Progressive Signs (24-48 hours)
- Increased thirst
- Increased or decreased urination
- Bad breath (uremic odor)
- Oral ulcers
- Tremors, shaking
- Severe lethargy
Severe Signs (48-72 hours)
- Acute kidney failure
- Little to no urine production
- Seizures
- Coma
- Death (if untreated)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many raisins are toxic to dogs?
The minimum toxic dose is approximately 2.8 grams per kilogram of body weight, which equals roughly one raisin per 10 pounds of dog weight. However, toxicity varies greatly between individual dogs - some develop kidney failure from very small amounts while others tolerate larger quantities. Because the toxic compound is unknown and sensitivity varies, NO amount should be considered safe. For a 30 lb dog, as few as 3 raisins could potentially cause toxicity, though the minimum typically documented toxic dose is around 38 raisins.
What should I do if my dog ate raisins?
Contact your veterinarian or emergency animal hospital IMMEDIATELY - do not wait for symptoms. Treatment is most effective within 1-2 hours of ingestion but can still help up to 12 hours later. If instructed by your vet, you may need to induce vomiting at home using 3% hydrogen peroxide (1 teaspoon per 10 lbs body weight, maximum 3 tablespoons). Do NOT induce vomiting if your dog is unconscious, having seizures, or having difficulty breathing. Your dog will likely need hospitalization for IV fluids to prevent kidney damage.
Why are grapes and raisins toxic to dogs?
Recent research (2021-2024) has identified tartaric acid as the likely toxic compound in grapes and raisins, though the exact mechanism is still being studied. Tartaric acid causes acute kidney injury by damaging renal tubules. The concentration varies between grape varieties, which explains why toxicity levels differ. Some dogs appear to have genetic susceptibility making them more sensitive. Raisins are more concentrated than fresh grapes (due to water removal), requiring a smaller amount to cause toxicity. All grape products including juice, wine, and baked goods containing raisins should be avoided.
How long does it take for symptoms to appear?
Initial symptoms typically appear within 6-12 hours of ingestion, with vomiting being the most common first sign. However, the most serious effect - acute kidney injury - develops over 24-72 hours. Some dogs show symptoms within 2-3 hours while others may not show signs for 24 hours. This delayed onset is why immediate veterinary care is critical even before symptoms appear. Blood work may show kidney damage as early as 24 hours post-ingestion. By the time severe symptoms like decreased urination appear (48-72 hours), significant kidney damage has already occurred.
Can dogs recover from grape poisoning?
Yes, with immediate and aggressive treatment, many dogs fully recover. The prognosis depends on the amount ingested, how quickly treatment begins, and individual susceptibility. Dogs treated within 2 hours of ingestion (before absorption occurs) have excellent recovery rates. Those hospitalized for IV fluid therapy within 6-12 hours typically recover well. However, dogs that develop acute kidney failure requiring dialysis have guarded prognosis - survival rates drop to 50-60%. Permanent kidney damage can occur even with treatment. Early intervention is absolutely critical for positive outcomes.
Are all dogs equally sensitive to grape toxicity?
No, individual sensitivity varies dramatically. Some dogs can eat grapes with no apparent ill effects while others develop life-threatening kidney failure from just a few. Age, breed, size, and individual metabolism all play roles. There's no way to predict which dogs are sensitive, and a dog that previously ate grapes without problems could still develop toxicity from future exposure. Genetic factors likely influence susceptibility. Because of this unpredictability, ALL dogs should avoid grapes and raisins entirely. Never test tolerance - the consequences can be fatal.