Are Snake Plants Toxic to Dogs and Cats? A Pet-Safety Guide
Last updated: July 2026. This safety correction is source-informed but has not been reviewed by a veterinarian. It is not a substitute for veterinary advice.
Yes. The ASPCA lists snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) as toxic to both dogs and cats. Its listed toxic principle is saponins, and the recognised clinical signs are nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
What should you do after a possible exposure?
- Move the plant out of reach and prevent any further chewing.
- Keep a photograph or label so the plant can be identified.
- Note when the exposure happened and the approximate amount involved.
- Contact your vet or a veterinary poison service for advice specific to your pet.
Do not induce vomiting or give a home remedy unless a veterinary professional directs you to do so. If your pet has collapsed, is having convulsions or has breathing difficulties, contact a vet immediately.
Who can UK pet owners contact?
Animal PoisonLine is a 24-hour UK service run by the Veterinary Poisons Information Service for owners worried about a possible poisoning exposure. Its website lists the current telephone number, fees and information to have ready. A local veterinary practice can also advise.
Which signs does the ASPCA list?
The ASPCA snake plant entry lists nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. It also advises contacting a local veterinarian or poison-control service as soon as possible after suspected ingestion of a potentially toxic substance. Individual risk cannot be assessed from an article because it depends on the pet and the exposure.
Frequently asked questions
Are snake plants toxic to dogs?
Yes. The ASPCA classifies snake plants as toxic to dogs and lists saponins as the toxic principle.
Are snake plants toxic to cats?
Yes. The ASPCA also classifies snake plants as toxic to cats.
What symptoms are officially listed?
The ASPCA lists nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Contact a veterinary professional for advice about a specific exposure rather than waiting for symptoms to develop.
Should I make my pet vomit?
Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinary professional specifically tells you to do so.
Sources checked
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: Snake Plant, checked July 2026.
- Animal PoisonLine (Veterinary Poisons Information Service), checked July 2026.