Don’t Give Raisin Remedy To Dogs

Q. I am curious to know if anyone has tried the gin-soaked raisins for arthritic dogs. I have an 80 lb. dog with arthritic hips, although she is only 6. Daily aspirin and glucosamine is helping somewhat but not enough. How many raisins (if any) should I give her?
A. Gin-soaked raisins may seem like a tasty arthritis remedy for people, but we advise you not to give them to your dog. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center has received a number of reports connecting kidney failure in dogs with grapes or raisins (J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. May 15, 2001). Most of these animals had ingested a large quantity, but experts do not know if small amounts of raisins daily over a long period would also pose a problem.