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Pet safety

Is Snake plant toxic to dogs?

Dracaena trifasciata

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists snake plant as mildly toxic to dogs — a chewing dog typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. ASPCA lists Dracaena trifasciata as toxic to cats and dogs because of saponins. Ingestion can cause nausea, drooling and vomiting. Rarely serious but worth keeping out of reach.

What to do if your dog ate snake plant

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move snake plant out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of snake plant to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your dog has eaten snake plant, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is snake plant toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is snake plant toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists snake plant as mildly toxic to dogs — a chewing dog typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. ASPCA lists Dracaena trifasciata as toxic to cats and dogs because of saponins. Ingestion can cause nausea, drooling and vomiting. Rarely serious but worth keeping out of reach.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats snake plant?

ASPCA lists Dracaena trifasciata as toxic to cats and dogs because of saponins. Ingestion can cause nausea, drooling and vomiting. Rarely serious but worth keeping out of reach. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your dog has had access to snake plant.

What should I do if my dog ate snake plant?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your dog's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is snake plant toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Snake plant is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full snake plant pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to snake plant?

Good dog-safe swaps that keep a similar look include cast iron plant, haworthia, ponytail palm — all ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs. See the full pet-safe alternatives to snake plant.

Full snake plant pet-safety