Tamar Valley Dog owners: Watch out for grape toxicity this autumn

Grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants can all poison dogs, and there is no known 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

A dog playing in a pile of fallen autumn leaves

The Tamar Valley Autumn Harvest Risk

More than 30 vineyards, most with 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 has also poisoned dogs
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.

The RSPCA Knowledgebase (updated 21/08/2024) lists grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants among foods that are toxic to dogs, and the Animal Poisons Helpline (checked 23/09/2026) warns never to wait for symptoms, because they can be delayed until the damage has been done.

If they develop, signs include:

Vomiting, which can start within 2 hours but more often within 6 to 24 hours, sometimes with diarrhoea
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 straight away. A vet may make your dog vomit, which works best soon after eating but can still help several hours later
Do not induce vomiting at home without veterinary guidance

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