Nightshade Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 3 min read| 3,743 found this helpful

Solanum spp

All Solanum spp. nightshade plants are confirmed toxic to cats, dogs, and horses per ASPCA data

Toxic active compounds include solanine, saponins, and atropine-like substances that target digestive and nervous systems

Ingestion can cause symptoms ranging from mild hypersalivation to severe CNS depression and abnormal heart function

FAQ

Is Nightshade toxic to Humans?

May include gastrointestinal pain, dilated pupils, drowsiness, confusion, and slowed heart rate consistent with solanine and atropine exposure (Moderate)

Is Nightshade toxic to Cats?

Hypersalivation, inappetence, severe gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, drowsiness, CNS depression, confusion, behavioral change, weakness, dilated pupils, slow heart rate (Moderate)

Is Nightshade toxic to Dogs?

Hypersalivation, inappetence, severe gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, drowsiness, CNS depression, confusion, behavioral change, weakness, dilated pupils, slow heart rate (Moderate)

Is Nightshade toxic to Horses?

Hypersalivation, inappetence, severe gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, drowsiness, CNS depression, confusion, behavioral change, weakness, dilated pupils, slow heart rate (Moderate)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Moderate

May include gastrointestinal pain, dilated pupils, drowsiness, confusion, and slowed heart rate consistent with solanine and atropine exposure

Cats

Moderate

Hypersalivation, inappetence, severe gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, drowsiness, CNS depression, confusion, behavioral change, weakness, dilated pupils, slow heart rate

Dogs

Moderate

Hypersalivation, inappetence, severe gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, drowsiness, CNS depression, confusion, behavioral change, weakness, dilated pupils, slow heart rate

Horses

Moderate

Hypersalivation, inappetence, severe gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, drowsiness, CNS depression, confusion, behavioral change, weakness, dilated pupils, slow heart rate

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll plant parts are toxic, particularly unripe berries, leaves, and stems

Exposure RoutePrimarily ingestion of plant material; rare mild skin irritation from sap contact in sensitive individuals/animals

Toxic CompoundsSolanine; saponins; atropine like substances

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Remove all remaining plant material from the exposed individual/animal's mouth and move them away from the plant source
• If ingestion occurred within the last 10 minutes and the animal is fully alert, offer small amounts of fresh water to dilute ingested toxins
• Do not induce vomiting or administer home remedies unless explicitly instructed to do so by a veterinarian or poison control specialist

Contact Vet Immediately

• Any confirmed or suspected ingestion of nightshade plant material by pets or livestock
• Observation of symptoms including hypersalivation, diarrhea, confusion, dilated pupils, or abnormal heart rate after exposure
• The exposed animal is unresponsive, lethargic, or experiencing seizures after potential contact with nightshade

Prevention

• Remove all wild or cultivated nightshade plants from areas accessible to pets, livestock, and young children
• Store decorative nightshade plant or berry arrangements out of reach of all animals and children
• Train farm staff and pet owners to identify wild nightshade growth and remove it promptly from grazing areas and play spaces

Treatment & Prognosis

• Veterinary care may include induced vomiting, activated charcoal administration, and IV fluid therapy to flush unabsorbed toxins and support hydration
• Symptomatic supportive care is provided to address gastrointestinal distress, abnormal heart rate, and neurological dysfunction
• 24 to 48 hours of clinical monitoring is recommended after severe exposure to detect and address delayed complications

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameSolanum spp

AliasesDeadly Nightshade、Black Nightshade

Toxicity Grade

HumansModerate

CatsModerate

DogsModerate

HorsesModerate

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tractCentral nervous systemHeartEyes

Mechanism of Action

• Solanine and saponins irritate the gastrointestinal mucosal lining, causing pain, vomiting, and diarrhea

• Atropine-like substances block acetylcholine receptors in the central and peripheral nervous system, leading to neurological, cardiac, and optical symptoms

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: Moderate toxicity risk; ingestion causes the same gastrointestinal, neurological, and cardiac symptoms seen in horses, with severe cases leading to death

Sheep: Moderate toxicity risk; sheep rarely ingest harmful quantities due to selective grazing habits, but large doses cause weakness and digestive distress

Poultry: Low to moderate toxicity risk; ingestion of large berry quantities causes weakness, reduced egg production, and occasional mortality in young birds

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Common Blue Violet Viola sororia

Has similar broad, dark green leaf shape to young nightshade plants; key difference is violet lacks nightshade's star-shaped white/purple flowers and toxic berry clusters

Lamb's Quarters (Wild Spinach) Chenopodium album

Young leaves are visually similar to young nightshade leaves; key difference is lamb's quarters has matte textured leaves and produces no fleshy berry fruit

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Data Sources

1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control

This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.

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