My Dog Ate a Snake Plant: Is It Dangerous?
A dog that chews a snake plant usually gets an upset stomach, nothing worse. Snake plants contain saponins, which irritate the gut and cause nausea, vomiting and sometimes diarrhea. They're bitter, so most dogs don't eat much. Take the plant away, check your dog's mouth, and watch for symptoms over the next few hours.
Right now
- Move the plant out of reach and pick up any chewed pieces.
- Check your dog's mouth and remove leaf bits.
- Offer water.
- Don't make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.
Symptoms
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
When to call a vet
Call your vet, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (both may charge a fee), if:
- Your dog ate a lot, especially a small dog or puppy
- Vomiting or diarrhea keeps going
- Your dog seems lethargic or weak
- Your dog swallowed large pieces, which can cause a blockage
Common questions
Are snake plants poisonous to dogs?
Mildly. They cause stomach upset but are rarely dangerous.
How much snake plant is toxic to a dog?
It depends on the dog's size. A small nibble usually causes little or nothing; larger amounts are more likely to cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Are snake plants toxic to cats too?
Yes, mildly, in the same way. See is snake plant toxic to cats.
Want to check the rest of your plants? Planted identifies a plant from a photo and tells you whether it's safe for pets.