Is Snake Plant Toxic to Cats and Dogs?

Snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata), also called mother-in-law's tongue or Sansevieria, is mildly toxic to both cats and dogs.

Why

Snake plant (also called mother-in-law's tongue) contains saponins, natural compounds that irritate the digestive tract.

It is not usually dangerous, and its tough leaves are rarely eaten in large amounts, but it can make a pet uncomfortable.

How to recognize it

Snake plant has stiff, upright, sword-shaped leaves with grey-green bands, often edged in yellow, that grow straight up from the soil. It is popular because it tolerates low light and infrequent watering.

Signs to watch for

• Drooling
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

What to do

• Offer water and watch your pet. Contact a vet if vomiting or diarrhea continues.
• Place the plant where pets cannot chew it.

Is a snake plant a Sansevieria or a Dracaena?

The snake plant is both: it was Sansevieria and is now classed as Dracaena. Botanists moved the snake plants into the genus Dracaena, so the plant once called Sansevieria trifasciata is now Dracaena trifasciata. Many shops, and the ASPCA plant list, still use the old name. The ASPCA also lists it as mother-in-law's tongue, golden bird's nest and good luck plant.

Compact 'Hahnii' types, the yellow-edged 'Laurentii' and the round-leaved cylindrical snake plant, often sold braided as African spear, are all treated the same way.

The label change does not change the risk. Whichever name is on the tag, the plant contains the same saponins described above.

Are other Dracaena plants the same?

Related Dracaena houseplants, such as corn plant, dragon tree and ribbon plant, are also listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats and dogs because of saponins. They cause similar vomiting and drooling, and in cats they can also cause dilated pupils.

If you keep several of these, the same placement rules apply to all of them.

What if my puppy chewed off a big piece?

Snake plant leaves are stiff and fibrous. A puppy or a strong chewer can tear off a large chunk, and in small dogs the bigger worry can be the size of the piece rather than the saponins. Repeated vomiting, retching without bringing anything up, a painful or swollen belly, or refusing food are reasons to call a vet.

For typical mild cases, a vet may give anti-nausea medication and fluids if your pet is dehydrated. Most pets recover within a day.

• Keep floor pots in a room the puppy cannot enter while it is teething.
• Offer approved chew toys so the plant is not the most interesting thing in the room.
• Remove damaged or fallen leaves rather than leaving them in the pot.

Pet-safe alternatives

Looking for something similar without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

• Non-toxicSpider plant
• Non-toxicAreca palm

Common questions

Is snake plant poisonous to pets?

Cats: Mildly toxic. Dogs: Mildly toxic. Snake plant is mildly toxic to cats and dogs. Snake plant can cause drooling, vomiting and diarrhea if chewed.

Is it safe to keep snake plant in a home with cats and dogs?

Yes, as long as your pets cannot reach it. Place the plant where pets cannot chew it.

What should I do if my pet chews snake plant?

Offer water and watch your pet. Contact a vet if vomiting or diarrhea continues.

Which pet-safe plants can I grow instead of snake plant?

Spider plant and areca palm are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

← All plants

Sources

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List (dogs, cats).
• Merck Veterinary Manual. Toxicology section.

If your pet has eaten a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital right away and bring a photo or piece of the plant. In the US you can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply).