Yes, potato plants are toxic to dogs.
Packed with starch, the potato plant is cultivated around the world because of tubers that are sold as edible crops. In fact, dogs and cats can occasionally eat the root vegetable with some caveats. These should be prepared without seasonings, fully cooked, and chopped into bite-sized pieces or mashed before serving.
A perennial plant that falls under the family Solanaceae, Solanum tuberosum is the scientific name of the potato plant. Pepper plants and tomato plants also belong to the same family. If your dog eats a raw potato plant by accident, similar effects to pepper and tomato plant consumption can manifest. This is due to the glycoalkaloid poison solanine present in the plant.
What to do if your dog accidentally comes into contact with, chews, or eats potato plants: The potato plant and tubers are both unsafe for dogs. Its leaves, peels, stems, and shoots are naturally high in glycoalkaloids solanine as well as chaconine. Aside from affecting your dog’s gastrointestinal and nervous systems, it can cause his vision to blur and slow down his heart rate.
Contact your veterinarian and report your pet’s condition. Take note of common poisoning symptoms he may display: diarrhea, vomiting, drooling, nausea, agitation, tremors, convulsions, pale gums, unsteadiness on feet, abnormal heart rate, and difficulty in breathing. If his conditions worsen, take him to the emergency animal clinic.
In summary: Potato plants may be fun to grow indoors or in your backyard, but it’s not a recommended plant if you have pooches fond of digging soil or chewing plants. Before you consider receiving a bouquet of flowers or growing a new houseplant, check out these lists by ASPCA, PetMD, and Pet Poison Helpline. They’ll help you determine which ones are safe for dogs.
References:
Sun’s out! Toxic plants and flowers for cats and dogs
Dog poisoning: Signs of poisoning in dogs and what you need to do
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