Is Deadly Nightshade Toxic to Dogs and Cats? (2026)
Solanum spp
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Quick facts
| Toxic to dogs | Yes |
|---|---|
| Toxic to cats | Yes |
| Toxic to horses | Yes |
| Toxic component | Solanine and related glycoalkaloids |
| Onset of symptoms | Within a few hours |
| Indoor / outdoor | both |
If your pet ate this plant
Both lines are staffed 24/7. A consultation fee applies to each. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before calling.
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Symptoms in dogs
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of coordination
- Lethargy
Symptoms in cats
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of coordination
- Lethargy
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What to do
Contact a vet, especially if unripe berries or a large amount of foliage was eaten — these carry the highest solanine concentration.
Toxic component and mechanism
The toxic component in Deadly Nightshade is solanine and related glycoalkaloids.
Part-specific risk: Ripe fruit is generally much lower in solanine than unripe fruit and foliage.
What makes this plant different
Despite the alarming name, 'Deadly Nightshade' as commonly used on plant lists usually refers to Solanum species with solanine toxicity rather than true Atropa belladonna (which contains far more dangerous tropane alkaloids) — always confirm the specific genus if the plant's identity matters for treatment urgency.
Plant identification
- Scientific name
- Solanum spp
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Also known as
- Deadly Nightshade, Nightshade, Black Nightshade
- Typically found
- both
Pet-safe alternatives
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Related plants
Black Nightshade
Solanum nigrum
Brunfelsia
Brunfelsia species
Climbing Nightshade
Solanum dulcamara
Jerusalem Cherry
Solanum pseudocapsicum
Nicotiana
Nicotiana glauca
Last verified: July 2, 2026 · Cross-referenced with ASPCA Animal Poison Control