Hey, quick question—can dogs eat grapes? Buddy was eyeing some at our BBQ, and I'm not sure if it's cool to share. I feel like I've heard mixed things. Is it a thing, or should I keep him away from the fruit bowl?

Hey there! It’s great that you’re checking in before sharing those grapes with Buddy. Unfortunately, grapes and their dried friends, raisins, are a no-go for dogs. They can be toxic and can cause acute kidney failure even in small amounts. It's one of those foods where the exact toxic dose is still not fully understood, so it’s safest to keep them out of reach.

If Buddy managed to snag a grape or two, here's what you can look for:

• Vomiting (often occurs within a couple of hours)
• Lethargy – if he seems more tired than usual
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Increased thirst or urination

If any of these symptoms crop up, or if you're unsure how many grapes he might have eaten, it's important to act quickly. This would be considered an emergency, and you should contact a vet right away.

In the interim, make sure Buddy has access to plenty of fresh water. If you see any signs of illness, like the symptoms mentioned above, avoid giving him any food or medications until you’ve spoken to a vet. Some may advise for a trip to the clinic for evaluation or possible induced vomiting depending on how much time has passed.

When in doubt or if symptoms worsen, it’s best to book a call with a vet on Dial A Vet for professional advice. Better safe than sorry!