Snake plants, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue or sansevieria, are a popular houseplant known for being hardy and low maintenance. However, some varieties contain compounds that can cause mild to moderate toxicity if ingested by dogs. This article explores in detail whether snake plants are toxic to canines.

An Overview of Snake Plants

Snake plants belong to the Asparagaceae family and originated in tropical West Africa. There are around 70 species, the most common being Sansevieria trifasciata. Other popular varieties include:

Sansevieria cylindrica – African spear or cylindrical snake plant
Sansevieria laurentii – Laurentii snake plant
Sansevieria canaliculata – Snake plant ‘Banded Leaf’
Sansevieria parva – Dwarf snake plant

Snake plants have stiff, upright, sword-shaped leaves with sharp tips. The foliage patterns and colors vary by cultivar. These houseplants are tolerant of neglect, surviving with little light and infrequent watering. They remove air pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene.

Are Snake Plants Toxic?

The ASPCA lists snake plants as toxic to dogs and cats. All parts of the plant contain compounds called glycosides, including a type called saponins. When ingested, these glycosides release metabolites that can cause:

Mild to moderate gastrointestinal signs – drooling, vomiting, diarrhea
Mouth pain or irritation – due to the sharp, spiky leaves
Nausea
Hypersalivation

However, snake plants are only mildly toxic. Significant illness is unlikely unless a dog eats a large amount.

Certain Sansevieria varieties like the Laurentii and parva cultivars may be less irritating. But all snake plants should be considered toxic, just to be safe.

What Makes Snake Plants Toxic?

The main toxins in snake plants are saponins, a type of glycoside found in the leaves, stem, roots, and rhizomes. Saponins have soap-like foaming properties.

Ingesting saponins causes cells in the dog’s mouth and GI tract to rupture. This releases harmful metabolites that irritate the digestive system.

Snake plant saponins include:

Sansevierin
Sansevierin B
Sansevierin C

Raphides may also play a role. These are tiny, sharp calcium oxalate crystals found in the plant cells. The raphides can mechanically damage the lips, gums, tongue, and throat when chewed.

Signs of Snake Plant Poisoning in Dogs

If a dog ingests part of a snake plant, poisoning symptoms may appear within hours. However, the amount eaten and size of the dog can affect toxicity.

Watch for these signs of snake plant poisoning in dogs:

Gastrointestinal

Drooling
Gagging
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Abdominal pain

Oral cavity

Pawing at the mouth
Discomfort or difficulty swallowing
Reddened gums or tongue

Systemic

Lethargy
Depression
Dilated pupils
Fast breathing and heart rate

Severe cases

Blood in vomit or stool
Seizures
Sudden weakness or collapse
Trembling

Contact your vet immediately if your dog displays these clinical signs after possible snake plant ingestion. Prompt supportive care can prevent serious toxicity.

What Should I Do if My Dog Eats a Snake Plant?

Don’t panic if your dog takes a bite of a snake plant. The amount consumed plays a big role in poisoning risk.

These steps can help manage the incident:

Remove any remaining plant parts – Check your dog’s mouth for stuck leaves or pieces.
Call animal poison control – The ASPCA poison hotline is (888) 426-4435. They’ll advise if vomiting should be induced.
Visit your vet – For exam, bloodwork, and symptomatic treatment if needed.
Monitor for symptoms – Watch for gastrointestinal, oral, and systemic signs of plant toxicity.
Prevent dehydration – Offer your dog small sips of water if tolerated.
Withhold food initially – Then reintroduce a bland diet as appetite returns.

Severe snake plant poisoning is unlikely. But dogs who rapidly consume mass quantities may need hospitalization for intensive treatment.

How Toxic are Snake Plants to Different Types of Dogs?

A dog’s size, age, health status, and breed can influence snake plant toxicity. Here’s how:

Puppy vs Adult Dogs

Puppy digestive systems are still developing, so may be more sensitive to irritants. However, puppies typically ingest less plant material.

Small Dogs vs Large Dogs

The bigger the dog, the more snake plant needed to cause a toxic reaction. So large breeds only experience mild effects. Whereas a few chewed leaves could make a Chihuahua quite sick.

Senior Dogs

Older dogs have a higher chance of age-related diseases. Issues like kidney failure, liver disease, and gastroenteritis increase sensitivity to toxins.

Breeds Prone to Plant Eating

Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Beagles and other hunting/retrieving breeds are notorious for plant chewing and eating. So extra care is needed around toxic plants.

Dogs With Gastrointestinal Conditions

Dogs with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), gastroenteritis, ulcers, or other GI issues can experience more severe irritation when ingesting irritants like snake plants.

Will My Dog Die if It Eats My Snake Plant?

It’s highly unlikely that eating a sansevieria will kill your dog. Snake plant toxicity is classified as mild to moderate.

Fatal snake plant poisoning is very rare. It would take extremely large amounts to potentially cause death. Significant complications are more likely with:

Puppies
Toy/small breed dogs
Dogs with underlying health conditions
Cases where vets are not promptly contacted

So while snake plant ingestion is concerning, try not to panic. The vast majority of cases result in self-limiting GI upset that’s managed supportively.

Still, it’s smart to contact your vet immediately if an exposure occurs. And remove or relocate snake plants away from dogs prone to chewing plants.

How Much of a Snake Plant is Toxic to Dogs?

The higher the quantity eaten, the greater the risk for adverse effects. But even small amounts can cause noticeable gi irritation.

As little as two snake plant leaves can trigger nausea and oral pain in small dogs. Medium-large dogs may exhibit no to mild symptoms from eating one medium-sized leaf.

Consuming higher volumes like several leaves or a few inches of a stem increases the chances of vomiting and diarrhea. Very large ingestions can lead to electrolyte imbalances.

Talk to your vet or pet poison control to assess your dog’s risk based on the approximate amount and parts ingested. They can advise on inducing vomiting if warranted.

Treatment for Dogs That Have Eaten Snake Plants

Veterinary treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications. Decontamination may be recommended to eliminate toxins before absorption.

Possible treatments include:

Inducing vomiting

Within 2 hours of ingestion, the vet may give apomorphine or hydrogen peroxide to make your dog vomit.
This prevents additional toxin absorption.

Activated charcoal

Administered orally to bind remaining toxins in the GI tract.
Prevents toxin uptake into the bloodstream.

IV fluids

Used to maintain hydration and electrolyte balance.
Prevents dehydration from fluid losses due to drooling and diarrhea.

Anti-nausea medication

Drugs like ondansetron help control nausea and vomiting.
Prevents worsening electrolyte imbalances.

GI protectants

Antacids and sucralfate coat and soothe the GI tract.
Prevent secondary damage from vomiting.

Preventing Snake Plant Poisoning in Dogs

While sansevierias aren’t highly toxic, it’s smart to keep dogs away from nibbling on them. Here’s how:

Place snake plants out of reach from pets – on high shelves or in hanging planters.
Keep plants away from beds, sofas, and other areas your dog frequents.
Avoid varieties with sharp pointed leaves if you have a curious puppy.
Opt for dog-friendly plants instead like philodendrons, spider plants, or palms.
Train your dog to ‘leave it’ and redirect chewing to toys.
Use bitter apple spray deterrents on plants.
Protect plants with physical barriers like screens when unsupervised.

Closely supervise young pets around houseplants. Be vigilant with known plant-eaters too. Prompt removal of snake plants prevents most issues.

Snake Plant Poisoning in Cats

Cats can also suffer snake plant toxicity if ingested. The effects are similar to dogs – oral pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.

Cats tend to chew plants less often than dogs. But their smaller size makes them more vulnerable to poisoning. Kittens and smaller cat breeds also face higher risk.

Monitor cats closely if they show interest in nibbling sansevierias. Seek prompt veterinary advice if exposure occurs.

Can My Dog or Cat Safely Be Around Snake Plants?

While snake plant ingestion should be avoided, the plants themselves aren’t highly toxic. Most dogs and cats coexist safely with sansevierias in homes without issue.

Here are some tips for safe cohabitation:

Keep plants out of pets’ reach or in pet-proof planters.
Choose spike-free snake plant varieties.
Discourage interest in plants with distraction and training.
Monitor both pets and plants closely for signs of chewing.
Seek vet advice promptly if ingestion occurs for guidance.

Completely avoiding sansevierias may be unrealistic. But smart placement and routine supervision can let pets and plants safely mingle.

Are Other Popular Houseplants Toxic Like Snake Plants?

Yes, snake plants aren’t the only potentially toxic indoor plant. Here are a few more to be aware of:

Sago palm

Very toxic! Ingesting any part of a sago palm can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, liver failure, and potentially death. All cycads like sago palms should be kept away from pets.

Lilies

Extremely toxic to cats! All parts are poisonous. Even small ingestions can cause kidney failure in cats.

Peace lily

Mildly toxic. Contains calcium oxalate crystals that cause mouth pain and irritation when chewed.

Pothos

Also called devils ivy. Has raphides like snake plants that irritate the mouth. Can cause swelling of the tongue and throat if large amounts are eaten.

Philodendron

Chewing releases calcium oxalate crystals causing tissue irritation and oral discomfort. Philodendrons are less worrisome than snake plants though since the leaves are smoother.

Be aware of all plants in your home to prevent unwanted chewing incidents. Doggie-proof toxic varieties and choose pet-friendly options whenever possible.

Snake Plant Poisoning in Humans

Humans are also susceptible to snake plant toxicity when parts are ingested. The glycosides and raphides irritate mucous membranes in the mouth and throat.

Symptoms are similar to pets, including:

Painful swelling of the tongue, lips, and cheeks
Burning sensation in the mouth
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Difficulty swallowing

While human poisoning is also rare, it demonstrates that snake plants contain true toxins, not just gastrointestinal irritants.

So keep plants away from curious toddlers too. Seek medical treatment if someone ingests sansevieria, especially children who are at greater risk.

Key Takeaways on Snake Plant Toxicity in Dogs

To summarize key points on snake plants and dogs:

Snake plants contain saponins and raphides that cause gastrointestinal upset.
All parts are toxic, especially the leaves.
Poisoning causes oral pain, vomiting, diarrhea and nausea.
Severe poisoning is very rare and fatality unlikely.
Small dogs are at higher risk than larger breeds.
Treatment involves decontamination and symptomatic support.
Prevent access to snake plants and supervise chewing-prone pets.
Non-toxic alternatives include palms, spider plants and dracaena.

While snake plant toxicity shouldn’t be dismissed, the risks are relatively low for most dogs. Practicing smart pet safety habits makes coexisting with sansevierias possible in homes.

Frequently Asked Questions about Snake Plants and Dogs

Are snake plants highly toxic?

No. Snake plants are only mildly to moderately toxic. Severe poisoning is very unlikely. The biggest risk is mouth pain and gastrointestinal upset.

What if my dog only chewed a snake plant leaf?

Minor chewing may cause temporary oral irritation. Monitor for excessive drooling and pawing at the mouth. Unless your dog ate a substantial amount, significant toxicity is unlikely. But call your vet to be safe.

Are Banded Snake Plants toxic too?

Yes. The Sansevieria cylindrica variety with vertical yellow-green striped leaves contains the same toxic compounds. Ingestion will still irritate the mouth and digestive tract.

Can dogs die from eating snake plants?

It’s extremely rare for snake plant ingestion to be fatal in dogs. Significant complications usually only develop if large amounts are consumed and treatment is delayed. But dog owners should still treat any exposure seriously.

Does cooking or drying snake plants reduce the toxicity?

No. The toxins (saponins and raphides) persist whether the plant is fresh, cooked, or dried. So keep dried sansevieria Bouquets and water-filled vases away from pets as well.

What household items can induce vomiting if my dog eats a snake plant?

Don’t induce vomiting without calling the vet first. But if recommended, 3% hydrogen peroxide or syrup of ipecac can be used. Salt water and dishwashing liquid are ineffective and should be avoided.

Conclusion

While not deadly, dogs and snake plants are still a risky combination if ingestion occurs. All sanseveria varieties should be considered toxic. Make sure to place plants in pet-proof areas and deter interest in chewing.

Prompt veterinary treatment is key if exposure occurs to prevent severe complications. But in most cases, effects are limited to oral and stomach upset.

Observing smart pet safety practices allows dogs and snake plants to peacefully coexist in homes. Being informed about plant toxicity hazards helps ensure your dog’s good health.

Are Snake Plants Toxic to Cats?

Like dogs, cats can also develop toxicity if they ingest snake plants. Here’s what cat owners need to know about keeping sansevierias safely in homes with felines.

Are Snake Plants Poisonous to Cats?

Yes, snake plants are mildly toxic to cats if eaten. The toxic compounds – saponins and raphides – get released during digestion. This irritates the mouth, esophagus, and digestive tract.

Signs of snake plant poisoning in cats include:

Pawing at the mouth
Excessive drooling
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Decreased appetite

Thankfully, fatalities are extremely rare even if moderate amounts are consumed. Most cases result in self-limiting gastrointestinal upset.

However, the risk of toxicity is higher for kittens and smaller cat breeds like Siamese cats. Owners of these cats should be extra mindful.

Why are Cats Attracted to Snake Plants?

While less prone to plant chewing than dogs, cats may still nip at snake plants out of curiosity or boredom.

Reasons for interest include:

Visual appeal

The stiff, sword-shaped foliage with interesting shapes and striped patterns attracts feline attention. Cats are enticed to play with or bite the leaves.

Texture

The firm, fibrous leaves make a satisfying crunch when chewed. This appeals to a cat’s natural desire to use their mouth to explore.

Scent

Snake plants emit grassy, herbal aromas. A cat’s sensitive nose draws them closer to investigate the intriguing smells.

Location

Sansevierias placed in accessible areas get noticed by cats more often. Being within paw’s reach makes them harder to resist.

With awareness of what attracts cats, you can make smart changes to reduce allure. This lowers the likelihood of any nibbling in the first place.

How Much Snake Plant is Toxic to Cats?

Only small amounts are needed to cause irritation in cats. As little as two chewed leaves may result in drooling and mouth pain.

Consuming larger quantities increases the risk for:

Significant vomiting and diarrhea
Dehydration
Electrolyte imbalances
Secondary damage to the esophagus and stomach

The smaller the cat, the less plant material it takes to see toxicity. So kittens and mini breeds like Singapuras require extra precautions.

Will My Cat Die From Eating a Snake Plant?

It’s highly unlikely for snake plant ingestion to be fatal in cats. Most cases result in reduced appetite, oral pain, and digestive upset.

Death is only possible if a very substantial amount is eaten AND treatment is not obtained promptly.

Still, don’t wait to call your vet if you suspect snake plant ingestion. Decontamination may be recommended to eliminate toxins before full absorption. Supportive care makes a good outcome more likely.

Overall though, fatal snake plant poisoning is extremely rare in cats. While

Are Snake Plants Toxic to Dogs?