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Tamar Valley Dog owners: Watch out for grape toxicity this autumn
All grapes are toxic to dogs with no safe amount. The Tamar Valley harvest runs March through May, making autumn one of the highest-risk periods for local dog owners visiting cellar doors along the Wine Route.
Dr Kristina Fisher
Veterinarian, BVMS
The Tamar Valley Autumn Harvest Risk
More than 30 cellar doors operate along the Tamar Valley Wine Route through Legana, Riverside, Exeter, Grindelwald, Deviot and Beaconsfield. During April and May, harvest activity brings real hazards for dogs:
- Fallen grapes on vineyard walking paths and picnic areas
- Grape marc (pressed grape solids) piled near processing areas, which is just as toxic as whole fruit
- Raisins and dried fruit on shared grazing boards at cellar doors
- Compost heaps containing grape waste near winery grounds
All grape varieties are toxic: red, green, seeded, seedless, organic, fresh and dried. There is no established safe dose.
Symptoms to Watch For
Contact a vet immediately if your dog has eaten grapes. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
If they develop, signs include:
- Vomiting or diarrhoea within 1 to 2 hours
- Lethargy and loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Reduced or absent urination, which is a sign of kidney involvement
Kidney damage can develop 24 to 72 hours after ingestion, even when early signs are mild.
What to Do Right Now
- Remove your dog from the area immediately
- Note what was eaten and when
- Call a vet. If under two hours since ingestion, vomiting may be induced
- Do not induce vomiting at home without veterinary guidance