Is it toxic to dogs?
Snake plant
Dracaena trifasciata (formerly Sansevieria trifasciata) · Asparagaceae
Also called Mother-in-law's tongue, Good luck plant, Golden bird's nest
Toxic to dogs
Severity: Mild
Yes, mildly. The ASPCA lists snake plant as toxic to dogs. Its saponins can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, and the signs the ASPCA lists are all digestive.
- Toxic parts
- Leaves, Stems, Flowers
- Toxic compounds
- Saponins
- Where you’ll find it
- Houseplant
Signs of poisoning
- Nausea
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Why it’s harmful to dogs
Snake plant has stiff, upright, sword-shaped leaves, often banded or edged in yellow. It tolerates low light and neglect, so it ends up in bedrooms, offices and entryways. Botanists now place it in the genus Dracaena, but you'll still see the old name Sansevieria on many plant tags and in the ASPCA database.
The ASPCA lists the plant as toxic to dogs and names saponins as the toxic principle. Pet Poison Helpline says the leaves and stems are the toxic parts, and that eating the plant causes drooling and vomiting. Saponins are soap-like compounds that irritate the gut, which is why the signs are digestive: nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Merck Veterinary Manual's entry also mentions hemolysis (damage to red blood cells) among possible effects, which is one more reason to call your vet if your dog ate a lot. Treatment is symptomatic, and fluids and electrolytes may be needed.
If your dog ate snake plant
Move the plant away and note how much your dog ate. A bite or two often causes mild drooling or vomiting that settles, but call your vet or a poison helpline for advice, particularly with a puppy or a small dog. In the US, you can reach ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply); elsewhere, call your local emergency vet. Please don't try to make your dog vomit at home.
Offer fresh water and watch for repeated vomiting, diarrhea that continues, tiredness or a loss of appetite. Those are reasons to see the vet the same day.
Keeping your dog safe
Move snake plant to a shelf or table your dog can't reach, because tall leaves invite a grab. Trim damaged leaves and bag the trimmings so no one picks them out of the trash.
Teach "leave it" and keep chews around for dogs that mouth everything. For sturdy, low-light plants that are listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to dogs, consider parlor palm, spider plant or prayer plant.
Dog-safe alternatives
Frequently asked questions
Is snake plant poisonous to dogs?
Yes. The ASPCA lists snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) as toxic to dogs, with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea as the signs.
What part of the snake plant is toxic?
Pet Poison Helpline names the leaves and stems, and Merck Veterinary Manual adds the flowers.
Is snake plant dangerous?
It is generally a mild poisoning, with digestive upset as the main concern. Call your vet if your dog ate a lot or has repeated vomiting or diarrhea.
Is mother-in-law's tongue the same as snake plant?
Yes. Mother-in-law's tongue, good luck plant and golden bird's nest are common names the ASPCA lists for the snake plant.
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