Why a 10 kg dog's reaction differs from larger breeds
At this weight, solanine from stems can cause noticeable symptoms with smaller amounts. Your dog's jaw strength also matters—chewed stems release more toxins than swallowed whole pieces. Look for green stains on their teeth or toys they might have used to 'play' with the stems first.
Dogs this size often react within 90 minutes if they'll show gut signs. Nervous system impacts like uneven pupils or head tilting may take 3-4 hours. Keep a leash handy—wobbly dogs may stumble into furniture or walls, needing guidance.
Keeping the other dogs away without isolation
If the exposed dog vomits, clean it immediately—the smell could trigger the others to eat it, recycling the toxins. Feed the unexposed dogs in a separate room so food competition doesn't stress the affected one. Check their water bowl for floating stem fragments.
Walk all dogs separately for the next day. The exposed one may mark more frequently as their body tries to eliminate toxins, and others might lick the urine. Use baby gates rather than closing doors to reduce howling stress that could upset the sick dog.
Nighttime monitoring tips for solanine cases
Set alarms every two hours to check on your dog overnight. Solanine's effects can worsen when the body is at rest. Bring their bed into your room—irregular breathing sounds or excessive sighing are easier to hear in the dark.
Note whether they change sleeping positions normally or seem 'stuck' in one pose. Posture rigidity is a late sign of neurological involvement. Keep a flashlight handy to check gum color—pale or bluish tints mean emergency care.
When to resume normal activities with the pack
Wait 48 hours after the last symptom before reintroducing shared toys or rough play. The exposed dog's liver needs time to clear solanine metabolites fully. Start with short, leashed group walks to observe interactions.
Dig up any tomato plants or fence them with hardware cloth buried 6 inches deep. Dogs that develop a taste for stems may seek them out again. Replace the area with safe shrubs like rosemary, which deters repeat snacking.
The step-by-step response, from the first minute to the vet visit, is in our Tomato & Potato Plants (Solanine) emergency guide.