Tobacco Plant

Tobacco Plant

Nicotiana tabacum
Dogs: Severe Cats: Severe

Veterinary Emergency

Veterinary emergency. Nicotine poisoning can be rapidly fatal. Rush to emergency care.

ASPCA Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 | Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661

Plant Information

Nicotiana, Flowering Tobacco, Tree Tobacco

Solanaceae

garden

Highly Toxic — Emergency Risk

Toxicity Details

all parts, leaves

Nicotine and anabasine

15 minutes to 1 hour

severe

Symptoms to Watch For

  • Hyperexcitability
  • Tremors
  • Vomiting
  • Drooling
  • Seizures
  • Respiratory paralysis

What to Do

Veterinary emergency. Nicotine poisoning can be rapidly fatal. Rush to emergency care.

Do not wait for symptoms. Call your vet or poison control immediately.

About Tobacco Plant

All Nicotiana species contain nicotine, which is extremely toxic to pets. Ornamental flowering tobacco is just as dangerous as commercial tobacco.

Safe Alternatives

These plants provide a similar look but are non-toxic to pets:

✓ Petunia ✓ Zinnia

Related:

Is Tobacco Plant toxic to dogs? Is Tobacco Plant toxic to cats?

Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, Pet Poison Helpline, Merck Veterinary Manual. Plant image from Wikimedia Commons (CC). Not a substitute for veterinary advice. Last reviewed: June 2026.