Safety verdict
Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Pet ingestion lookup
My dog ate Bittersweet Nightshade - what should I do?
Solanum dulcamara
Potentially toxic
Contact your veterinarian or an animal poison-control resource now, especially if any amount was chewed or swallowed.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Signs to watch for
Gastrointestinal upset including vomiting and diarrhea, hypersalivation, weakness, and potential neurological signs like dilated pupils or tremors.
Escalation note
The plant contains toxic alkaloids that affect the nervous and digestive systems. Seek veterinary care promptly if your dog has consumed this plant.
What to watch for
Expect drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea first — sometimes within an hour of ingestion. As the dose climbs, watch for weakness, ataxia (wobbly gait), abdominal pain, dilated pupils, slow heart rate, or muscle tremors. A published Labrador-puppy case (PMC) presented with acute weakness, ataxia, and generalized tremors. Severe poisoning can progress to convulsions or respiratory depression.
Time window
Onset of GI signs is typically within 1–6 hours; neurological signs follow if the dose is high enough. Minor ingestions may resolve within hours of supportive care; serious cases (per the published puppy report) required intensive supportive treatment over a day or more. There is no specific antidote.
When to call the vet
Call your vet immediately if you know — or strongly suspect — your dog ate any part of the plant, especially the berries. Don't wait for symptoms in puppies or small dogs. ASPCA Animal Poison Control: 888-426-4435. Treat any tremors, collapse, or trouble breathing as an emergency and head to the nearest open clinic.
What this means for your dog
Dogs — toxic. NC State Extension and ASPCA both list bittersweet nightshade as toxic to dogs; all parts of the plant contain solanine (a steroidal glycoalkaloid), with the green unripe berries and leaves carrying the highest concentration. Dogs are more likely than cats to actually eat the bright red berries, which puts them at higher real-world risk.
Sources: NC State Extension, ASPCA (no first-aid guidance).
Poison-control resources
This page summarizes source-bound plant-safety information and is not veterinary advice.