Is European Bittersweet Poisonous to Cats and Dogs?

European Bittersweet

The European Bittersweet is poisonous for both cats and dogs.

Typical symptoms include confusion, diarrhea, drowsiness, fatigue, low blood pressure, low heart rate and vomiting.

European Bittersweet is a species of vine in the potato genus Solanum, family Solanaceae. They are climbing perennial vines that could grow over other plants. It produces a soft and juicy red berry fruit about 1 cm long which resembles a tiny tomato and common foods for birds. However, this fruit is not suitable for humans and livestock as they are very poisonous. Extra care is needed when children encounter this fruit as they are very enticing to eat.

The scientific name for this plant is Solanum dulcamara. Additional name for this plant include Amara Dulcis, Bittersweet, Bittersweet Nightshade, Bitter Nightshade, Blue Bindweed, Blue Nightshade, Climbing Nightshade, Deadly Nightshade, Devil’s Apple, Fellenwort, Felonwood, Poisonberry, Poisonflower, Poisonous Nightshade, Scarlet Berry, Snakeberry, Soda Apple, Trailing Bittersweet, Trailing Nightshade, Violet Bloom and Woody Nightshade.

Image: Istock.com / joannatkaczuk

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