Why it's dangerous
The plant contains compounds that cause local irritation to the gastrointestinal tract upon ingestion, leading to digestive upset.
Toxic compound: Saponins
How vets treat it
Vets give supportive care. Merck notes that some animals need fluids and electrolytes, and for houseplants that irritate the gut it describes anti-nausea medicine, anti-diarrhea medicine and a bland diet.
Outlook
NC State Extension rates the poisoning severity as low, and none of the sources we used describes snake plant as life-threatening. Merck's general advice on houseplants that upset the gut, which doesn't name snake plant, gives an excellent outlook: most animals recover within 24 to 48 hours, and dogs with an existing gut condition may need a longer course of treatment. Merck also lists possible damage to red blood cells (hemolysis) from the plant's saponins, but no source says how often it happens.
Where pets are exposed
- Snake plant, also called mother-in-law's tongue, golden bird's nest or good luck plant. Its current botanical name is Dracaena trifasciata, and ASPCA still lists it under the older name Sansevieria trifasciata.
- Potted snake plants indoors. It is a common houseplant and also appears in offices and other indoor plantings. Pets are exposed by chewing or eating the leaves.
- Any part of the plant. Sources disagree on which parts carry the toxin, so treat the whole plant as toxic. NC State Extension also notes that the sap can irritate skin.
Prevention
- If your pet keeps chewing your snake plant, the best fix is to take the plant out of your home so your pet can't eat it again.
- Before you bring home a new plant, check its botanical name against the ASPCA toxic and non-toxic plant list. Common names can belong to different plants with different toxicity.
Good to know
Commonly found in homes and offices; symptoms are typically mild and self-limiting.
Common questions
Is a snake plant poisonous to cats?
Yes. ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline and NC State Extension all list snake plant (mother-in-law's tongue) as toxic to cats because it contains saponins. The usual signs are drooling, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, and some cats have had dilated pupils or a wobbly walk. NC State rates the severity as low.
Is a snake plant poisonous to dogs?
Yes. ASPCA and NC State Extension list it as toxic to dogs. The signs reported are mostly an upset stomach: nausea, drooling, vomiting and diarrhea, sometimes with loss of appetite.
Can a snake plant kill a cat or dog?
None of the sources we checked reports a death. NC State Extension rates the poisoning severity as low, and Merck lists supportive care as the treatment. Merck does list possible damage to red blood cells from the plant's saponins, so call your vet or a poison line rather than waiting it out.
My pet chewed a snake plant leaf. What should I do?
Take away the rest of the plant and call your vet or a pet poison line. In the US: ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 (both charge a fee). Don't make your pet vomit or give anything by mouth unless a professional tells you to. Go straight to a clinic if your pet has trouble breathing, collapses or has a seizure.
Are mother-in-law's tongue, Sansevieria and Dracaena trifasciata the same plant?
Yes. Botanists moved the snake plant from the genus Sansevieria into Dracaena, so its current name is Dracaena trifasciata. ASPCA still lists it as Sansevieria trifasciata. All these names, along with golden bird's nest and good luck plant, refer to the same toxic houseplant.
Which part of a snake plant is toxic to pets?
Sources differ. Pet Poison Helpline names the leaves and stems, Merck names the leaves and flowers, and NC State Extension lists every part, including the roots and sap. Treat the whole plant as toxic.
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual — Table: Poisonous Houseplants and Ornamentals
- Merck Veterinary Manual — Houseplants and Ornamentals Toxic to Animals
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center — Mother-in-Law's Tongue
- ASPCA — What to Do if Your Pet Is Poisoned
- Pet Poison Helpline — Sansevieria
- Pet Poison Helpline — Mother-in-Law's Tongue
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Dracaena trifasciata
- Clemson Cooperative Extension, Home & Garden Information Center — Pet Owners Beware: 11 Poisonous Houseplants to Avoid
- Pet Poison Helpline
This page is informational and is not veterinary advice. If your pet has been exposed to something risky, contact your vet or an animal poison control line right away.
