Safety verdict
Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Pet ingestion lookup
My dog ate Nightshade - what should I do?
Solanum spp
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
Excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, weakness, and potential neurological impairment such as loss of coordination.
Escalation note
The alkaloids present can cause rapid onset of clinical signs. Seek immediate veterinary attention if ingestion is suspected.
What to watch for
Most common: drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite. With larger ingestions: agitation or aggression, tremors, weakness, dilated pupils, or changes in heart rate or breathing.
Time window
Exact onset is not well documented in the cited sources; gastrointestinal signs typically appear within hours of ingestion.
When to call the vet
Call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) the same day for persistent GI signs, and immediately for tremors, agitation, dilated pupils, or any breathing or heart-rate change.
What this means for your dog
Most dog encounters with Nightshade end in mild stomach upset; the cited sources say a fairly large ingestion is usually needed for severe toxicity. The toxic compounds — solanine and atropine-like substances — are concentrated in leaves, stems, and unripe green berries rather than ripe fruit.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline (no first-aid guidance).
Source references
Poison-control resources
This page summarizes source-bound plant-safety information and is not veterinary advice.