Is Moon Vine Poisonous to Dogs?

The fragrant blooms on a moon vine are enticing, but should be kept away from pets.
Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

Moon vine, or datura, goes by many common names, including moonflower, jimson weed, devil's trumpet, thornapple and Jamestown weed. Regardless of what it is called, this member of the Solanaceae family, which includes deadly nightshade, henbane and mandrake, poses a threat to your dog as well as children and other pets. .

Toxicity and Symptoms

Every part of a moon vine is poisonous to dogs, including the seeds, blooms, leaves and stems. While in humans, ingesting parts of a moon vine can cause hallucinations, in dogs it causes a rapid heart rate, dilated pupils, dry mouth, sensitivity to light, restlessness and anxiety, constipation and even respiratory failure. It can cause your dog to stagger, or move as though he is drunk. Tropane alkaloids contained in the plant cause all of these symptoms, which can be serious. If your dog has chewed or ingested any part of a moon vine, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison helpline immediately.