§ Toxic plants · Solanaceae · Checked Oct 2026
Is bittersweet nightshade toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. Bittersweet nightshade (Solanum dulcamara) is toxic to cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Plant Smart rates its effects Mild, level 1 of 4.
Get a permanent discount if you join Early Access. iPhone and Android, in the contiguous U.S.
§ 010 · Signs
What to watch for
Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, low blood pressure and slow heartbeat. Signs can start within hours; some take a day or more to show.
§ 020 · If it happened
What to do if your pet ate it
Call your vet or a pet poison hotline straight away, even if your pet seems fine: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline, (855) 764-7661. Both are open 24 hours and charge a fee. Have the plant or a photo of it to hand, and don’t make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to.
§ 030 · Same family
Other Solanaceae plants toxic to pets
Bittersweet nightshade belongs to the Solanaceae family. ASPCA lists these relatives too.
§ 040 · Questions
Questions about bittersweet nightshade and pets
Is bittersweet nightshade toxic to cats?
Yes. ASPCA lists bittersweet nightshade as toxic to cats.
Is bittersweet nightshade toxic to dogs?
Yes. ASPCA lists bittersweet nightshade as toxic to dogs.
What happens if my pet eats bittersweet nightshade?
Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, low blood pressure and slow heartbeat. Plant Smart rates it Mild, level 1 of 4.
What should I do if my pet ate it?
Call your vet or a pet poison hotline right away, even before signs appear: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Both charge a fee. Have the plant, or a photo of it, to hand.
What else is bittersweet nightshade called?
Bittersweet nightshade is also sold or known as climbing nightshade, trailing bittersweet and European bittersweet.