§ Toxic plants · Solanaceae · Checked Oct 2026
Is black nightshade toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) is toxic to cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Plant Smart rates its effects Critical, level 4 of 4.
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§ 010 · Signs
What to watch for
Signs include drooling, loss of appetite, belly pain, diarrhea, drowsiness, sluggish, unresponsive behavior, disorientation, weakness, dilated pupils, slow heartbeat, dullness or depression, tremors, wobbliness or poor coordination, shock, coma, trouble breathing and kidney failure. 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
Black nightshade belongs to the Solanaceae family. ASPCA lists these relatives too.
§ 040 · Questions
Questions about black nightshade and pets
Is black nightshade toxic to cats?
Yes. ASPCA lists black nightshade as toxic to cats.
Is black nightshade toxic to dogs?
Yes. ASPCA lists black nightshade as toxic to dogs.
What happens if my pet eats black nightshade?
Signs include drooling, loss of appetite, belly pain, diarrhea, drowsiness, sluggish, unresponsive behavior, disorientation, weakness, dilated pupils, slow heartbeat, dullness or depression, tremors, wobbliness or poor coordination, shock, coma, trouble breathing and kidney failure. Plant Smart rates it Critical, level 4 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 black nightshade called?
Black nightshade is also sold or known as black nightshade, hairy black nightshade and red nightshade.