Yes. Grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs and can cause sudden kidney failure. There is no known safe amount, so any ingestion should be treated as an emergency.
Grapes (including raisins, sultanas and currants) are one of the most serious food hazards for dogs. Even a small number can trigger acute kidney injury in some animals. The exact toxic compound is still being studied, but recent research points to tartaric acid as a likely cause. Because individual sensitivity varies widely, veterinarians treat every case of grape or raisin ingestion as potentially dangerous.
Symptoms usually begin within a few hours and may include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy and abdominal discomfort. If kidney damage develops, dogs often show increased thirst and urination followed by a sharp drop or complete stop in urine production. Without rapid treatment, the condition can progress to life-threatening kidney failure.
What to do immediately
If you know or even suspect your dog has eaten grapes or raisins, contact a veterinarian or pet poison control right away. Do not wait for symptoms to appear. Early decontamination (inducing vomiting and giving activated charcoal when appropriate) plus supportive care with intravenous fluids greatly improve the chances of a good outcome. Never try to induce vomiting at home unless specifically instructed by a professional.
Prevention is straightforward: keep all grapes, raisins and products that contain them completely out of reach. This includes trail mixes, baked goods and any human snacks that may hide dried fruit.
