Pet emergency
My dog ate Aunt Ruby's German Green Tomato — what to do
Step by step
- Take aunt ruby's german green tomato away and remove any plant material from your dog's mouth so they cannot eat more.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
- Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.
This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.
My dog ate aunt ruby's german green tomato — FAQ
Is aunt ruby's german green tomato poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Aunt Ruby's German Green Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum "Aunt Ruby's German Green") as toxic to dogs. The ASPCA lists the Tomato Plant (Solanum lycopersicum) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principle is solanine, concentrated in the green foliage, stems and unripe fruit; signs include hypersalivation, inappetence, severe GI upset, weakness, dilated pupils and slow heart rate. The fully ripe fruit is considered non-toxic, but with this green-when-ripe variety the protective rule of thumb (avoid all leaves, stems and hard green fruit) still applies.
How serious is it if my dog ate aunt ruby's german green tomato?
Aunt Ruby's German Green Tomato is toxic to dogs and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet or poison control on (888) 426-4435 straight away rather than waiting to see if symptoms develop.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. The ASPCA lists the Tomato Plant (Solanum lycopersicum) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principle is solanine, concentrated in the green foliage, stems and unripe fruit; signs include hypersalivation, inappetence, severe GI upset, weakness, dilated pupils and slow heart rate. The fully ripe fruit is considered non-toxic, but with this green-when-ripe variety the protective rule of thumb (avoid all leaves, stems and hard green fruit) still applies. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.
Should I make my dog vomit?
No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.
How do I stop this happening again?
Keep aunt ruby's german green tomato well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is aunt ruby's german green tomato toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Aunt Ruby's German Green Tomato and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide