Grapevine
Grapevine is a plant that is best known for its fruit: grapes. But did you know that grapevine can also be interesting for dogs? In this article you will find out what grapevine is, how it works and what advantages and disadvantages it has for your four-legged friend.
What is grapevine?
Grapevine (Vitis vinifera) belongs to the grapevine family (Vitaceae) and is a climbing plant that grows on vines. It originates from the Mediterranean region and is now cultivated in many parts of the world. The best-known parts of the vine are the grapes, which are used to make wine, juice or raisins. However, the leaves, bark and seeds of the grapevine also have various uses.
How does grapevine work?
Grapevine contains many ingredients that can have a positive effect on health. These include, for example
- Antioxidants: they protect the cells from free radicals and can thus prevent ageing, inflammation and cancer.
- Flavonoids: They have an anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and vasodilatory effect and can therefore support the cardiovascular system.
- Resveratrol: This is a polyphenol found in the skins of red grapes. It has an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cancer-preventing effect and can also strengthen the immune system.
- OPC: This stands for oligomeric proanthocyanidins and is another polyphenol found in the seeds of grapes. It has a strong antioxidant effect and can promote blood circulation, strengthen connective tissue and improve skin elasticity.
What are the benefits of grapevine for dogs?
Grapevine can also have some benefits for dogs when given in moderation and in the right form. For example, grapevine can:
- Boost the immune system: Due to its antioxidant ingredients, grapevine can support your dog's immune system and protect it from infections.
- Protect the joints: Due to its anti-inflammatory ingredients, grapevine can relieve the pain and swelling of osteoarthritis or other joint diseases and slow down cartilage degradation.
- Caring for the skin: Due to its circulation-promoting and connective tissue-strengthening ingredients, grapevine can keep your dog's skin healthy and supple and prevent skin problems such as eczema or allergies.
What are the disadvantages of grapevine for dogs?
Grapevine is not suitable for every dog and can also have some disadvantages or risks. For example, grapevine can:
- Be toxic: The fresh or dried grapes of grapevine are toxic to dogs and can lead to kidney failure. The alcohol in wine is also harmful to dogs and can lead to poisoning. Therefore, you should never give your dog grapes or wine or leave him within reach of these products.
- Have interactions: The ingredients in grapevine can interact with some medications or supplements and strengthen or weaken their effects. Therefore, you should ask your veterinarian before giving grapevine to your dog if he is taking other medications or supplements.
- Have side effects: The ingredients in grapevine can cause side effects in some dogs.
If you notice any signs of hypersensitivity or poisoning in your dog, you should see your vet immediately. We are not a substitute for a vet, but we try to be as accurate as possible. Every dog reacts differently and we recommend you get a second opinion or consult your vet if in doubt.
Stay healthy and take good care of your four-legged friend!😊