Is Henbane Toxic to Dogs?

☠️ ToxicSeverity: Severe

✅ Cross-checked against veterinary poison-control guidance · Oct 2026 audit

⚠️ Educational info only. If your pet just chewed something and looks unwell, skip the reading and call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline (US): (855) 764-7661.

Yes — henbane is severely toxic to dogs. Its hyoscyamine and scopolamine content can poison the nervous system within an hour of eating any part of the plant.

Also known as: Stinking Nightshade, Black Henbane, Hyoscyamus niger · Hyoscyamus niger

What makes it toxic

Tropane alkaloids (hyoscyamine, scopolamine) concentrated in seeds but present in leaves, flowers and roots. They block the parasympathetic nervous system, causing racing heart, overheating and seizures.

Warning signs to watch for

Dilated pupils, dry mouth, rapid heartbeat, vomiting, wobbly drunken movement, agitation or hallucination-like behavior, then tremors, seizures, high body temperature and collapse.

What to do if your dog eats it

Drop everything and get the dog to a vet or emergency animal hospital now. Bring the plant material for identification — treatment may include activated charcoal, IV fluids and heart monitoring.

Common questions

How much henbane can kill a dog?

Precise lethal doses vary, but animal deaths from eating henbane are documented, and seeds are the most concentrated. Treat any confirmed ingestion as a life-threatening emergency.

Why is henbane growing near my barn or roadside?

It colonizes disturbed ground and is a noxious weed in many regions. Pull it with gloves and bag it so pets and livestock cannot reach it.

More plants checked for dogs

Pothos☠️ ToxicYes, pothos is toxic to dogs. Chewing any part of the vine releases calcium oxalate crystals tha Aloe Vera⚠️ Mildly ToxicAloe vera is mildly to moderately toxic to dogs. The skin and latex layer of the leaf contain co Spider Plant✅ Non-ToxicNo, spider plants are non-toxic to dogs. A dog that nibbles the arching leaves is not at risk of Easter Lily⚠️ Mildly ToxicEaster lilies are only mildly toxic to dogs — they usually cause stomach upset, not the fatal ki Sago Palm☠️ ToxicYes — sago palm is severely toxic to dogs, with a documented fatality rate around 50% when untre Boston Fern✅ Non-ToxicNo, Boston ferns are non-toxic to dogs. Chewing a frond will not poison your dog.

This page is general educational information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Every pet is different — if your animal ate something concerning, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away. Checking what your pet can eat? Visit our sister site SafeOrToxic.