Urgent Warning: Are Snake Plants Poisoning Your Dog?

snake plant toxic to dogs

Humans are social beings. They like to have some companion at all times. Sometimes it’s people, sometimes it’s an animal, and sometimes it might even be a plant. Dogs are one of the oldest friends of humanity. They are loyal, funny, and very helpful. Then, there are plants. Have you ever walked into a home or office and noticed a tall, striking plant with sword-like leaves? That’s probably a snake plant. While they’re a favorite for many homeowners due to their low maintenance and air-purifying qualities, pet owners have a pressing question: Is the snake plant toxic to pets, particularly dogs? Is a snake plant pet-friendly? Let’s dive in.

The Toxicity Factor

When it comes to plants, you can find different chemicals in different ones, especially when looking at other plants from different families. When it comes to Sansevieria and all of its many family members, they all share a striking resemblance, although they look like different weapons. They all have the same chemical called saponins. Now, it’s a good time to look at the question: Are snake plants safe for dogs? Or is a snake plant poisonous to dogs?

Is Snake Plant Toxic to Dogs?

To briefly answer the question, yes, snake plants aren’t pet-safe, none of them. The toxicity factor we explained in the last part, saponins, is at the root of all the problems. Look at the next sections to find out how this chemical works to poison your dog and its symptoms.

Chemicals Present in Snake Plants

Snake plants contain a chemical compound called saponins. Saponins have been traditionally used in medicine, and they are still used as they have many useful biological effects, such as antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, antiviral, etc. Although saponins have an anti-inflammatory effect on humans, they have the opposite effect on pets.

Detailed Toxicity Explanation

While we’ve touched upon the toxicity of snake plants, it’s essential to understand the degree of this toxicity. Snake plants are said to be mildly toxic to dogs. As we’ve explained earlier, the primary culprit behind this toxicity is saponins present in all varieties. These compounds can cause hypersalivation, dilated pupils, and gastrointestinal distress in dogs. The severity of the symptoms often correlates with the amount ingested. Small quantities might result in milder symptoms, while larger amounts can lead to more severe reactions.

How Snake Plants Affect Dogs

When a dog chews or ingests parts of a snake plant, the saponins can cause discomfort. While not deadly, it’s certainly something pet owners should be aware of. The saponins are found in the leaves of the plant. If your dog ingests the roots, it should be safe. In any case, you should still look out for symptoms.

Symptoms of Snake Plant Poisoning in Dogs

Every poisonous chemical has certain symptoms. Some of the said effects might be temporary and disappear soon, and some of them might last for a longer time. In many cases, the intensity of these symptoms is directly related to the amount of poisonous chemicals ingested.

Immediate Symptoms

If your dog has ingested snake plants, several possible symptoms can appear within 30 minutes to several hours after ingestion.

Nausea and Vomiting: As I said earlier, while saponins have an anti-inflammation effect when digested by humans, they do the exact opposite when digested by dogs. Cats are similar to dogs in this aspect; they will have the same problem should they ingest saponins.

Difficulty Breathing: This is one of the less common symptoms, as it does not happen in all dogs. However, it has been reported in cases. The other immediate or long-term symptoms are not a cause for worry in a life-threatening manner. If you notice this symptom in your dog, it’s suggested to take it to a vet immediately, and if you don’t know the variety of the plant, either take a part of it or a picture of it to show the vet.

Long-term Effects

While rare, prolonged exposure or large amounts ingested can lead to more severe symptoms, which can last a lot longer than other ones. The amount ingested and exposure time may vary from dog to dog and from one variety of Sansevieria plant to another.

Behavioral Changes: When under the effect of saponins, your dog isn’t quite feeling like usual. Naturally, you might notice them acting differently than normal.  If you notice any changes in your dog’s behavior, you’d better take action immediately.

Lethargy: If you have eaten something that didn’t agree with you, then you might have also felt some of the said symptoms, and in addition to them, lethargy. Lethargy is when your body doesn’t have the energy to spare for other activities, such as jumping around and playing. After all, it needs all of its power to fight off the poisonous chemical that has entered the body.

Look at the next part if you are trying to figure out what to do if your dog eats a snake plant.

What to Do If Your Dog Ingests a Snake Plant

If your dog has ingested saponins, there are certain measures you need to take to ensure they are not in any danger and are on their way to recovery.

Immediate Actions

First, don’t panic. To make the best decisions, you need to keep calm. Remove any plant material from your dog’s mouth and provide fresh water. Monitor your dog for any of the symptoms mentioned above. Also, take a look at what’s left of the plant. It would help if you had some idea of the missing amount. If it amounts to something, keep a closer eye on the dog or take more serious measures. Remember that if you find yourself in the situation, the best course of action you can take is those instructed to you by a vet. Refrain from inducing Vomiting or feeding you any chemicals unless explicitly instructed to do so by the vet.

Treating Snake Plant Poisoning

Before we go on, please remember that it’s always in your dog’s best interest to visit a veterinarian and consult them for advice. However, considering that sometimes it may be crucial to act upon the matter, it’s better you know about these steps.

• Try to induce Vomiting: to do so, one of the most successful ways is to feed the dog, using a syringe to get it done more easily, or if other ways fail, a solution of hydrogen peroxide. The purity of this solution should be %3. Remember, although this method is one of the best, you shouldn’t decide whether to do it alone.
• Provide fluids intravenously: Give your dogs some water in 30-minute intervals. It helps the dog’s body deal with the poison better. Additionally, it can help prevent some problems and symptoms that tend to occur after the initial symptoms.
• Administer antihistamines: Many professionals consider it safe to use Benadryl. However, it should be administered in certain dosages. For more details, talk to a vet about the required dosage for your dog in the case of an emergency.

When to Visit the Vet

If symptoms persist or your dog ingested a large amount of the plant, it’s best to consult a veterinarian immediately. Remember to take note of the ingested amount (how much of the plant you assume your dog ate) and the variety and report them to the vet.

 

Preventing Snake Plant Poisoning in Dogs

You wouldn’t need to worry about your dog’s health or what to do when they eat some of the plants if you can prevent it from happening in the first place. Luckily for you, two approaches come to mind here.

Safe Placement of Plants

Ensure your snake plant is placed in an area that is inaccessible to your dog. High shelves or rooms that your dog can’t enter are ideal. There are, however, places that are out of the question. First of all, take note of the conditions in which each variety of Sansevieria plant needs to grow. This will limit your options. Then, remember that bathrooms are a big no due to their humidity and the plant’s sensitivity.

Alternative Non-Toxic Plants for Homes with Dogs

Not all the plants are toxic to dogs. You need not ignore your love for having greenery around the house if you choose something non-toxic to dogs instead of Sansevieria. For those who love the look and feel of snake plants but are wary of their toxicity, there are several non-toxic alternatives to consider:

• Cast Iron Plant: This plant has sword-like foliage similar to snake plants and thrives in low-to-medium light. It’s as resilient as the snake plant and poses no threat to dogs.
• Ponytail Palm: It is easily recognizable thanks to its round, large trunks and cascading grass-like foliage; this plant can endure many hardships is drought-tolerant, and requires minimal care.
• Spider Plant: With its grass-like, spiky foliage, spider plants are a popular non-toxic alternative. Their yellow and green striped leaves bear a resemblance to snake plants. They are also known for their unique spider-like offshoots.
• Zebra Calathea: This plant stands out with its zebra-like striped foliage. It can grow two to three feet tall and is a visually appealing replacement for snake plants.

Here’s a table comparing alternative non-toxic plants that you can consider as replacements for snake plants, particularly if you have dogs at home:

Plant Name	Appearance	Light Requirements	Watering Needs	Toxicity to Dogs	Additional Notes
Cast Iron Plant	Sword-like, dark green foliage	Low to medium light	Low (infrequent)	Non-toxic	Hardy plant, great for low-light areas.
Ponytail Palm	Large, round trunk with cascading leaves	Bright, indirect light	Infrequent (drought-tolerant)	Non-toxic	Unique appearance, low maintenance.
Spider Plant	Grass-like, arching leaves, often variegated	Bright, indirect light	Moderate	Non-toxic	Produces “spiderettes” or baby plants.
Zebra Calathea	Striped, zebra-like foliage	Low to medium light	Moderate	Non-toxic	Attractive, decorative foliage.
Areca Palm	Feather-like fronds, graceful appearance	Bright, indirect light	Moderate	Non-toxic	Adds a tropical feel to the environment.
Boston Fern	Lush, arching fronds	Indirect light, high humidity	Frequent watering, likes moist soil	Non-toxic	Great air purifier, prefers humid environments.
Parlor Palm	Dense, bushy, tropical fronds	Low to medium light	Moderate	Non-toxic	Ideal for indoor spaces, low maintenance.

These plants are all safe for dogs and can be great alternatives to snake plants in your home. They vary in appearance, light, and water needs, so you can choose the one that best fits your living environment and style.

What is a Snake Plant?

The snake plant, scientifically known as Sansevieria, is a popular indoor plant native to West Africa. It’s known for its upright, sword-like leaves and ability to thrive in low light conditions. Sansevieria can endure many hardships and only needs to be watered very rarely, that is, every fortnight. So, are snake plants bad for dogs? Is a snake plant toxic to dogs? You will need to be more patient before you find the answer.

Popular Varieties of Snake Plants

The snake plant, also known as Dracaena trifasciata, is not just popular for its resilience but also its unique appearance. Its long, succulent, grass-like foliage often bears unique striping or varied tones reminiscent of snake markings. This resemblance is one of the reasons behind its name. The plant’s aesthetic appeal and hardy nature make it a favorite among houseplant enthusiasts.

Several snake plant varieties share many features, including the Sansevieria trifasciata’ Laurentii,’ Sansevieria cylindrical, and Sansevieria hahni. Each has its unique appearance but shares the same basic care requirements.

• Sansevieria trifasciata’ Laurentii’: It differs from the common variation in that the common variation, called Sansevieria trifasciata, is without ‘Laurenti’ or yellow leaves.
• Sansevieria cylindrica: This variety has a more unique appearance. Some argue that it rather looks more like a spear than a sword. But don’t let its appearance deceive you, for it’s more sensitive to some conditions than the common variety.
• Sansevieria hahnii: If you expect to witness another weapon, you will be disappointed. However, it doesn’t mean Sansevieria hahnii isn’t a beautiful sight. Unlike our spear-like friend, Sansevieria hahnii isn’t as sensitive, particularly in the care needed for light.

Having talked about some of the varieties of snake plants and their family, it brings us to the question: Are snake plants safe for pets? can a snake plant kill a dog? Read the next sections to find out your answer.

Conclusion

For a very long time, dogs have been a loyal human friend. On the other hand, snake plants are a beautiful addition to any home. Since snake plants are toxic to dogs, dog owners should exercise caution if they want to have both around. Understanding the risks and taking preventive measures can ensure a safe environment for your furry friend.

FAQs

1. Are all varieties of snake plants toxic to dogs?
   • Yes, all varieties contain saponins, which can be harmful when ingested by dogs. Remember that this might not be limited to snake plants only. There might be other plants with saponins, and thus, have a similar poisoning effect.
2. How long after ingestion do symptoms appear?
   • It is believed that symptoms can appear any time within 30 minutes after the ingestion to several hours. The variety of plants, the amount ingested, and your dog’s health are all other items that can modify this time and its duration.
3. Are there any long-term effects on dogs after ingesting snake plants?
   • In most cases, no. But if a dog ingests large amounts, it could lead to more severe symptoms. Sometimes, it can have a long-lasting effect if it needs to be addressed early and solved independently.
4. Can cats get poisoned by snake plants, too?
   • Yes, cats can also experience symptoms if they ingest snake plants. The chemical behind their problems is also saponins. Cats also experience similar symptoms, usually lasting for the same time. Please consult a professional for more information.
5. How can I make my home safe for my dog?
   • Place toxic plants out of reach, consider non-toxic plants, and always monitor your dog’s behavior around plants. If you must have a poisonous plant, learn all the cautionary steps.
6. My dog ate a snake plant; what should I do?

• You can look around the article as we have tried to explain the different courses of action you can take and what you should do if such a situation happens. The best course of action is to keep calm and visit a vet.