- Home
- Dog Conditions
- Potato (Green) Poisoning in Dogs
Potato (Green) Poisoning in Dogs
Jump to section
What is Potato (Green) Poisoning?
Although potatoes are a healthy vegetable for humans, it is best not to feed any part of a raw potato or potato skins to your dog because of the toxins they contain. The potato, as well as other vegetables, such as tomatoes and eggplant, produces solanine as a natural defense to deter insects. Even in small amounts, your dog can have symptoms similar to food poisoning due to the solanine and chaconine. Solanine is a cholinesterase inhibitor that can prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter. This causes reduced function of the nervous system and the body’s organs by building up in the tissues, especially the liver. Solanine has also been found in other major organs such as the brain, lungs, heart, and kidneys. These toxins can make humans sick as well, but it would take a lot more potatoes than we would eat to cause even mild symptoms. However, it is best not to eat potatoes that have green skin or are growing sprouts whether they are cooked or not, and definitely never feed them to your dog.
Green potato poisoning in dogs occurs when a dog consumes too much solanine, which is a glycoalkaloid naturally produced in green or raw potatoes, potato skins, and the foliage from the potato plant. Solanine poisoning can cause heart problems, difficulty breathing, and gastrointestinal upset. The raw potato and skins also contain chaconine, which is toxic and can cause irritation to the digestive tract, nervous system symptoms (tremors), and kidney function disorders. If you think your dog has eaten green potatoes, skins, or foliage, you should call your veterinarian or visit your local animal hospital even if there are no symptoms.
Potato (Green) Poisoning Average Cost
From 65 quotes ranging from $200 - $300
Average Cost
$250
Symptoms of Potato (Green) Poisoning in Dogs
Symptoms may vary depending on how much solanine and chaconine was in the potatoes or potato skins your dog ate, and the size and health of your dog. Most often, the symptoms will be mild, unless your dog is very small, ill, or if a great amount of potatoes have been consumed in a short amount of time. The most common symptoms reported are:
- Bleeding
- Burning of the throat
- Cardiac dysrhythmia
- Death
- Delirium
- Difficulty breathing
- Dilated pupils
- Dizziness
- Excess drooling
- Fever
- Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea
- Headache
- Heart problems
- Jaundice
- Loss of sensation
- Low body temperature (hypothermia)
- Numbness and burning sensation of the tongue, mouth, and lips
- Paralysis
- Progressive paralysis
- Seizures
- Shock
- Slow pulse
- Slowed breathing
- Swelling of tongue or lips
- Trembling
- Vision changes
- Vomiting
- Weakness
Top
Causes of Potato (Green) Poisoning in Dogs
Solanine symptoms are caused by the interruption of the chemical acetylcholine, which is important in transmitting nerve impulses. This chemical is also reported to cause cell membrane damage, which can cause irritation of the nervous system and intestinal tract. The chemical is found in:
- Green potatoes
- Potato foliage
- Raw potato skins
- Sprouts grown on potatoes
Top
Diagnosis of Potato (Green) Poisoning in Dogs
Your veterinarian will need to know what your dog ate, how much, and how long ago it happened. You should also let the veterinarian know what symptoms you have seen, your dog’s medical history, and any illnesses or injuries. A comprehensive physical examination will be done, which will include temperature, weight, height, pulse, reflexes, blood pressure and breathing rate.
They will also need to complete some tests, such as complete blood count, chemical panel, blood gas, glucose level, urinalysis, kidney and liver function tests, and a chest x-ray. In addition, an electrocardiogram (ECG) may be done to monitor your dog’s heart rate if needed. If the chest x-ray shows any abnormalities, the veterinarian will do an ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan to get a better look at what is going on.
Top
Treatment of Potato (Green) Poisoning in Dogs
The treatment for your dog will include giving apomorphine to inducing vomiting and activated charcoal to absorb any toxin that may be left in the stomach. The veterinarian will sedate your dog and provide IV fluids and oxygen therapy. If they suspect there is still toxin in your dog’s system, he will perform a gastric lavage. This procedure includes inserting a tube into your dog’s mouth to flush out the stomach with saline solution. Medication, such as a physostigmine or pilocarpine will be administered to help boost your dog’s nervous system, and gastrointestinal protectants and laxatives may be used as well.
Top
Recovery of Potato (Green) Poisoning in Dogs
How well your dog recovers depends on the amount of solanine ingested and how quickly treatment is given. As with any illness, providing a quiet place to rest when your pet returns home is key to recovery. Be certain to contact your veterinarian if you have questions or concerns. To prevent this from happening again, do not let your dog eat raw potatoes, potato skins, or foliage and make sure he cannot get into the trash where potato peels may be.
Top
*Wag! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Items are sold by the retailer, not Wag!.
Potato (Green) Poisoning Average Cost
From 65 quotes ranging from $200 - $300
Average Cost
$250
Top
Potato (Green) Poisoning Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Need pet health advice? Ask a vet
Ask a Vet
Husky
4 months
Unknown severity
6 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
Hi my dog dug through a potted russell potato and consumed half the potato. What should I do?
Aug. 23, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. Depending on whether the potato was rotten or not, your puppy may or may not show any signs. It would be best to monitor your puppy for any signs of vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or loss of appetite. If any of those signs occur, then it would be best to have your have your pup seen by a veterinarian. I hope that all goes well.
Aug. 23, 2020
Was this experience helpful?
Rhodesian Ridgeback
6 months
Unknown severity
5 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
My puppy just ate a whole raw potato, is it Going to kill her? I didn’t know potatoes were bad for dogs. She’s very healthy and up to date on all her shots
Aug. 3, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. It is unlikely that this one time episode of eating a raw potato will cause any problems for her. You may see some GI upset, and if you see any signs of vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or loss of appetite, it would be best to have her seen by your veterinarian. I do think she is going to be okay, however. I hope that all goes well.
Aug. 3, 2020
Was this experience helpful?
Hound mix
7 mo
Unknown severity
4 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
40 lb dog ate 3 oz of raw potatoes
July 25, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. That one time small amount of potatoes should not cause any toxicity, but may cause GI upset. If he starts vomiting, having diarrhea, becomes lethargic or doesn't want to eat, then it would be best to have him seen by a veterinarian. They would be able to examine him, see what might be going on, and give him treatment if needed. I hope that all goes well for him.
July 25, 2020
Was this experience helpful?
French Bulldog
Seven Months
Unknown severity
5 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
Our puppy got a hold of a raw potato. It doesn’t appear that she ate any of it. Just chewed it apart on one end. Will she be ok? Even if she maybe ate a tiny piece?
July 19, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. A small amount of raw potato should not cause any harm for her. I would monitor her for any signs of vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite or weird Behavior, but I think she's going to be okay. I hope that all goes well for her.
July 19, 2020
Was this experience helpful?
Shih Tzu
Six Years
Unknown severity
0 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
NOTE: he does not have tarry stool. The site just wouldn't let me move on if I did not list a symptom. My dog is showing no symptoms, but I dropped about a quarter-sized piece of raw potato on the ground and he got ahold of it. He's on doxycycline (50 mg) for a week as an antibiotic. He's about 13 pounds. Should I be concerned?
July 16, 2020
Owner
Dr. Gina U. DVM
0 Recommendations
Hello A small piece of a raw potato is not a concern.
July 16, 2020
Was this experience helpful?
Shadow
Pit bull
3 Months
Serious severity
0 found helpful
Serious severity
Has Symptoms
shadow is a 3 month old pit bull. Last night me and my mate thought it was a nice idea to let him and his brother sleep outside of the kennel since they are being raised as house pets. Well shadow got into cardboard and bake potato skins and ate a lot of the skin. Took him to petsmart this morning and they opted to put him to sleep. This was when we thought he ingested cardboard. I declined the put down idea because he was just fine the night before and he deserves a chance to fight the problem himself. Once home him and his brother were let out to potty and shadow threw up. In it was carrots from the leftover noodle cup he got into and a nice size of potato skin peeling. After seeing this I skipped petsmart and called a vet hosptital. They told me to watch him for the next day and feed him boiled chicken and rice. If anyone has any other ideas of helping him get better it would be greatly appreciated. He is a kindhearted puppy with a bright future ahead of him. Me my mate and shadows brother would be in much distress if we had to put him down. We also dont have money for surgery, so if needed that would be the only option but its one none of us want.
Diamond
Rednose pit
4 Years
Fair severity
0 found helpful
Fair severity
Has Symptoms
I have a rednose pit named diamond. She is always around when i cook i try to get my daughter that is also alway around when i cool to pick up any food that falls when i cut up veggies last night as i was cutting up the potatoes. A slice fell on the floor and before my daughter could get it diamond gobbled it up i didnt think much of it and said oh well cause occasionally she gets to the food before my daughter can get it up. I joke and call diamond a vacuum cleaner cause shes always trying to get anything off the floor. BShe has gotten into candy and also chocolate before and has been fine. But i thought maybe i should see if potato is ok for dogs after reading this i checked on her but shes acting normal not any weird behavior so ill watch her if she has any issues i know what it would be.
Khaleesi
American Pit Bull Terrier
3 Years
Fair severity
0 found helpful
Fair severity
Has Symptoms
The last night I gave my dog a couple of slices of a fresh raw potato. After doing I immediately thought I should see if it was ok. Now after reading into it I'm concerned I may have poisoned my dog. I haven't seen anything yet. Please advise. Thank you Adam
GG
English Bulldog
6 Years
Mild severity
0 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
my dog (approx. 60lbs.) at a slice of raw potato (about 1/2"x3") last night. this morning she ate her breakfast, and shortly after threw it all up. should I take her to emergency, or is this maybe a symptom she will recover from without emergency visit.
Cricket
Labrador Retriever and old english bulldog
1 Year
Serious severity
0 found helpful
Serious severity
Has Symptoms
my year old puppy ate a couple of potatos yesterday and they had sprouts growing on them. Her face and ears are very swollen and she is always itchy. Are these symptoms, and should I take her to the vet?
Potato (Green) Poisoning Average Cost
From 65 quotes ranging from $200 - $300
Average Cost
$250
Related Health Articles
About Wag!
© 2020 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved.
About Wag!
© 2020 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved.
Security