Bittersweet Nightshade

Yes, Bittersweet Nightshade (Solanum dulcamara) is toxic to cats. It contains solanine alkaloids, and ingestion of any part of the plant — especially the bright red berries — can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and in severe cases, tremors or cardiac arrhythmias.

The most common signs are hypersalivation (drooling), vomiting, and diarrhea, typically appearing within a few hours of ingestion. Less common signs include drowsiness, weak pulse, pale gums, and a slow heart rate. Severe ingestions can progress to weakness, tremors, or difficulty breathing, which are emergencies requiring immediate veterinary care.

Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 right away — don't wait for symptoms to appear, especially if a kitten or small cat ate berries. Minor exposures may resolve within hours, but serious cases can require 24–48 hours of supportive veterinary care.

The berries are considered the most dangerous part and are a particular concern because their bright red color can attract curious cats. That said, all parts of the plant contain solanine alkaloids and can be harmful — contact a vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 any time your cat has chewed any part of the plant.

Yes, Bittersweet Nightshade (Solanum dulcamara) is toxic to dogs. The plant contains solanine alkaloids that affect both the digestive and nervous systems, and all parts — including the bright red berries — should be considered harmful.

GI signs typically appear within 1–6 hours: drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. As the dose increases, watch for weakness, a wobbly gait (ataxia), abdominal pain, dilated pupils, slow heart rate, and muscle tremors. A published case involving a Labrador puppy presented with acute weakness, ataxia, and generalized tremors; severe poisoning can progress to convulsions or respiratory depression.

Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) immediately — don't wait for symptoms to appear, especially in puppies or small dogs. There is no specific antidote, so treatment is supportive; prompt care is critical. Treat any tremors, collapse, or difficulty breathing as an emergency and go to the nearest open clinic.

Even a small amount warrants concern, particularly for puppies and small dogs. The berries are the most likely part to be eaten and are toxic; a documented puppy case required intensive supportive care over more than a day. Because the toxic dose scales with body weight and no safe threshold is established, any known or suspected ingestion should be reported to a vet right away.