Are Snake Plants Toxic To Dogs? Protect Your Pet!

Lots of us enjoy bringing some greenery indoors. It’s a great way to brighten up a space, add color, and naturally purify the air. But not all plants are safe for dog owners to have. In fact, many can be dangerous if our dogs eat them. But what about the popular snake plant? Are snake plants toxic to dogs?

Let’s find out before you head to the garden center in search of one of these beautiful plants!

But First – What Is a Snake Plant?

A snake plant is a really popular houseplant, especially amongst those who don’t really know what they’re doing. They’re hardy and don’t mind being neglected – so a good choice if you’re just beginning your plant collection.

They have long, succulent leaves that shoot upwards in spikes and have pale and dark green markings, a bit like a snake.

Their Latin name is Dracaena Trifasciata, but these plants are also commonly called mother-in-law’s tongue, golden bird’s nest and viper’s bowstring hemp.

Are Snake Plants Poisonous to Dogs?

Snake plants are moderately toxic to dogs. These beautiful plants contain a chemical called saponins which many plants naturally produce in self-defense (they’re also present in quinoa). It’s actually to stop animals from eating their fruit and leaves.

The whole snake plant contains saponins so if your pup eats any part (roots or leaves) they’re likely to suffer from snake plant poisoning. The highest concentration of saponins in a snake plant, however, is in the leaves.

If your dog eats a large amount, they’re likely to suffer from stomach irritation.

What’s more, in some cases, the inner jelly/sap part of the leaves has been known to cause skin irritation and swelling. If your dog comes into contact with a broken leaf, their skin may become red, swollen, and very itchy.

Symptoms of Snake Plant Poisoning

Different dogs react to snake plant poisoning differently. It will also depend on how much of the plant your pup ingests. Common snake plant poisoning symptoms are:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Excessive drooling
• Lethargy
• Ruptured red blood cells
• Swollen mouth

If you suspect your pup is suffering from snake plant poisoning, contact your vet for advice on your next steps. Some cases will be mild, whilst others will need medical attention. If your dog is having difficulty breathing or is not responding, take your dog to your veterinary emergency clinic right away.

Treatment of Snake Plant Poisoning in Dogs

How your dog is treated at the clinic will depend on the symptoms they have, how much of the plant they ate, and their history.

If your dog hasn’t vomited since eating the snake plant, your vet may induce vomiting in an attempt to get rid of any of the remaining pieces of the plant from your pup’s stomach. They may also give your dog different treatments to absorb the toxins from their stomach.

Seeing as two common symptoms of snake plant poisoning are vomiting and diarrhea, your vet may give your dog fluid therapy. Electrolytes help to keep them hydrated with all that liquid they might be losing. It also helps to flush out any remaining toxins so your pup can start to feel better.

If your beloved pet has severe symptoms, the vet may administer other treatments to try and cure your pup. It really depends on how bad the symptoms are.

Recovery of Snake Plant Poisoning in Dogs

If your pooch vomits pretty quickly after eating the snake plant and is seen quickly by a vet, they’ll likely make a full recovery. If your pup eats a large amount of snake plant leaves and has a severe reaction it may take them a little longer to recover.

In some cases, your vet may wish to keep your dog in to monitor their recovery. It’s also likely they recommend a plain diet for your pooch that’s easy on their stomach whilst it recovers.

How to Avoid Snake Plant Poisoning

Is the snake plant toxic? Yes. So if possible, it’s best to choose indoor plants for your home that are safe (such as spider plants) and avoid snake plants altogether.

However, if you really have your heart set on having a snake plant in your home, you can use its hardiness to your advantage. Snake plants are very robust and don’t need a lot of light. This means they don’t have to take center stage on a windowsill.

Try putting a snake plant up high, well out of reach of your dog. It should withstand the lower light.

Another thing you can do is train your dog. As man’s best friend, dogs respond really well to positive reinforcement. Giving them treats such as a little cheese, shrimp, or ham whenever they stay away from the spider plant will encourage them to keep on doing so.

FAQs Dogs and Snake Plants

Are Snake Plants Poisonous for Dogs?

Yes. Snake plant toxicity is high and can be dangerous for dogs. The whole plant is poisonous, including the leaves and roots.

Are Snake Plants Fatal for Dogs?

If your dog eats a large amount of snake plant and doesn’t receive medical treatment, it could be potentially fatal. However, snake plant leaves also contain a sap that will irritate your dog’s mouth. Hopefully, this should deter them from eating large quantities.

Can Dogs Recover if They Eat a Snake Plant?

Yes! Most cases of snake plant poisoning are not severe and, with appropriate medical treatment, your dog should make a full recovery in 24-48 hours.

Are Mother-In-Law’s Tongue Plants Safe for Dogs?

This is just another name for snake plants. So no, mother-in-law’s tongue plants are not safe for dogs. The toxic substance in them can cause stomach problems. It’s safest to go for non-toxic houseplants when decorating your home.

Sum Up – Are Snake Plants Toxic to Dogs?

Yes. Snake plants are toxic and can make your pup pretty ill. If you suspect your pooch has eaten a snake plant, get in contact with your vet. Most cases can be cured with a little medical attention.

The safest way to prevent this from happening is to go for doggy-safe plants instead. There are lots to choose from and they’re just as beautiful as snake plants!