Warning re Grapes and Raisins

[CarolineS]

I remember earlier this year someone posted about a Collie that had died after eating a large bag of raisins the owners had inadvertently left within his reach. At the time, it was just an anecdotal story, with no medical proof behind it.

I've just read that the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center has issued a warning to owners that grapes and raisins in large quantities can cause kidney failure in dogs. The Center has received reports of at least 10 dogs that ate anywhere from 9 ounces to 2 pounds of the fruit and suffered kidney failure. Some of the dogs died. They are not exactly sure why this happens, but they are investigating it. I read of this warning in a Tufts University publication, so it is on the level.

They said that dogs' eating small quantities of grapes or raisins don't appear to have any problems, but caution that owners should be careful not to leave the fruit where dogs can get at it.

[alexav]

If I remeber right, raisins contain quite a bit of sulphur...Could that be it?