Is it toxic to dogs?
Dracaena
Dracaena spp. · Asparagaceae
Also called Corn plant, Cornstalk plant, Dragon tree, Ribbon plant
Toxic to dogs
Severity: Mild
Yes. The ASPCA lists dracaena as toxic to dogs. The saponins in the leaves can cause vomiting (sometimes with blood), drooling, loss of appetite and a quiet, down dog.
- Toxic parts
- Leaves and stems
- Toxic compounds
- Saponins
- Where you’ll find it
- Houseplant
Signs of poisoning
- Vomiting (occasionally with blood)
- Depression
- Loss of appetite (anorexia)
- Drooling (hypersalivation)
- Diarrhea
Why it’s harmful to dogs
Dracaena is a large genus of tough, tall houseplants with arching, strap-like leaves: the corn plant, the dragon tree, the red-edged types and many more. Snake plants were moved into this genus too, as Dracaena trifasciata, so snake plant has its own page. Lucky bamboo is also a dracaena, not a true bamboo.
The ASPCA lists the genus as toxic to dogs because of saponins, and records vomiting that is occasionally bloody, depression, loss of appetite and drooling. Pet Poison Helpline puts the saponins in the leaves and stems and lists drooling and vomiting. The Merck Veterinary Manual names saponins, alkaloids and resin in the leaves, and says vomiting and severe diarrhea are expected.
Exposure usually comes from drooping leaves or a plant in a low floor pot.
If your dog ate dracaena
Take any leaf from your dog's mouth and move the plant out of reach. Watch for vomiting, diarrhea and drooling. Merck says treatment focuses on correcting fluid and electrolyte losses, so a dog that can't keep water down needs a vet.
Call your vet, or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (US; fees may apply), if your dog vomits blood, keeps vomiting, or seems very weak. Outside the US, contact your local emergency vet. Don't try to make your dog vomit at home. Mention the plant name and how much was eaten.
Keeping your dog safe
Use tall stands or hanging planters so that leaves stay above chewing height, and trim drooping tips that hang low. Keep fallen leaves picked up.
A parlor palm or areca palm gives you a similar upright, leafy look without the toxic list. Practice a calm "leave it" with treats so houseplants aren't toys, and keep floor pots away from places where your dog likes to lie.
Dog-safe alternatives
Frequently asked questions
Is lucky bamboo toxic to dogs?
Lucky bamboo is a dracaena, not true bamboo, and Pet Poison Helpline lists it under dracaena. Treat it as part of the group the ASPCA lists as toxic.
Why might my dog vomit blood after eating dracaena?
The ASPCA says vomiting is occasionally bloody. Treat blood in vomit as a reason to call your vet right away.
Is snake plant a dracaena?
Yes, snake plants are now classified in the genus Dracaena. See the snake plant page for its own details.
Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 30, 2026. Editorial policy