Dogs
Potentially toxicConsulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
dog safety reference
Is Black Nightshade safe for dogs?
Solanum nigrum
Black Nightshade is an herbaceous plant in the Solanaceae family containing solanine alkaloids that are harmful if ingested. It is widely considered a weed and is not typically cultivated as an indoor houseplant.
Black NightshadeEuropean Black NightshadeSolanum nigrum
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Habit
- Herbaceous annual
- Care
- Low (often considered a weed)
Safety status
What this means for your dog
Dogs are far more likely than cats to actually eat plant material, and that's the problem with black nightshade — the unripe green berries and foliage carry solanine and atropine-like alkaloids that can produce both GI and neurological signs. Larger ingestions are the dangerous ones, and dogs that get into a patch of berries should be treated as exposed.
What to watch for
GI signs come first: hypersalivation, vomiting, diarrhea, and inappetence. Larger doses can add agitation or aggression, drowsiness or CNS depression, tremors, dilated pupils, weakness, slow heart rate, and respiratory or cardiovascular depression per Pet Poison Helpline. Severity scales with how much was eaten.
Time window
Onset and duration are not well documented in the cited sources for dogs specifically. Treat exposure as time-sensitive and call rather than waiting to see if signs appear.
When to call the vet
Call any time you suspect a dog ate the green berries or a meaningful amount of foliage. Call immediately if you see tremors, agitation, weakness, dilated pupils, or any change in breathing or heart rate. Reach Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
First aid at home
Take the plant away and clear any berries or leaves out of your dog's mouth, then call Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 or your veterinarian for first-aid advice. Do not induce vomiting at home unless poison control or your vet specifically tells you to.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.
If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
Gastrointestinal upset including vomiting and diarrhea, hypersalivation, weakness, and potential neurological signs like incoordination.
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.
Safer alternatives
No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.
Source evidence
Same dog verdict
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