Are Snake Plants Toxic to Dogs? What You Need To Know
Snake plants are popular houseplants that are easy to care for and look great in any home. But if you have pets, you’ve probably wondered “Are snake plants toxic to dogs?” The answer is yes, snake plants are toxic to dogs. The plant contains needle-like crystals of calcium oxalate that can cause burning and irritation to the skin, mouth, and tongue. Ingestion can lead to drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Even if your dog isn’t trying to eat the plant, if it gets sap on their skin or fur, it can still be an irritant. So it’s best to keep these plants away from pets!
Are Snake Plants Toxic to Dogs? What You Need To Know
Yes, snake plants are toxic to dogs and can cause symptoms ranging from drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea to more serious effects such as low blood sugar, seizures, liver damage, and coma. If your dog has ingested a snake plant, seek immediate medical attention.
What is Snake Plant Poisoning?
Snake plant poisoning is an illness or adverse reaction caused by eating or touching parts of the Sansevieria trifasciata (snake plant). The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation to the mouth, throat, and digestive tract if swallowed. Symptoms of poisoning can include burning and irritation of the lips, tongue, and throat, as well as vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Treatment is typically supportive and may include giving fluids, resting, and taking medications to reduce symptoms.
SEE ALSO: Are Poinsettias Poisonous to Dogs?
Other House Plants That Are Toxic To Dogs
- Lilies: Many types of lilies, such as Asiatic and daylilies, are toxic to dogs. Although all parts of the lily are toxic, the plant’s pollen presents the greatest danger to dogs, as it can be inhaled by pets and cause severe respiratory illness.
- Sago Palm: Sago palms are highly toxic to dogs and cats, as they contain sago, which is a type of cycasin. It is easily absorbed through the gut causes liver failure and can be fatal.
- Begonia: Begias contain insoluble oxalates, which can be toxic when ingested. The highest concentration of these insoluble oxalates is found in the leaves, stems, and flowers of the begonia plant, so it’s important to keep your pets away from them.
- Ivy: Several species of ivy, such as English ivy and Swedish ivy, contain glycosides which are toxic for both cats and dogs. Ingestion of any part of the plant can cause irritation of the digestive tract, vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing.
Causes of Snake Plant Poisoning in Dogs
Snake plants are toxic to dogs, as well as cats, and other animals. The saponins, calcium oxalates, and other chemicals found in the snake plant are all poisonous when ingested by these animals. If your pet consumes any part of the snake plant, it can cause serious health issues including vomiting, diarrhea, increased salivation, burning or irritation in the mouth and throat, drooling, difficulty swallowing, and even respiratory difficulties or failure.
Signs of Snake Plant Poisoning In Dogs
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Tremors
- Drooling
- Difficulty breathing
- Seizures
- Coma
Diagnosis of Snake Plant Poisoning in Dogs
Snake Plant Poisoning in Dogs is the result of the ingestion of a type of plant known as sansevieria trifasciata, commonly referred to as snake plant. The toxin in snake plants is calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause intense irritation and burning of the tongue, lips, and throat. Symptoms of snake plant poisoning in dogs can include excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and intense pain in the mouth. If left untreated, the symptoms can progress to diarrhea, lethargy, and seizures. In rare cases, the crystals can lodge in the esophagus and cause blockage, which can result in difficulty breathing, shock, and ultimately death.
In order to diagnose snake plant poisoning in dogs, veterinarians will first carry out a thorough physical examination and take a medical history of the animal. The vet will look for any symptoms that point to snake plant poisoning, including signs of pain, excessive salivation, and difficulty swallowing. If snake plant poisoning is suspected, a sample of vomit, drool, or food can be collected for testing.
The test results will be used to confirm or rule out the possibility of snake plant poisoning. If snake plant poisoning is confirmed, the veterinarian will likely recommend treatment with medications to reduce the symptoms, such as painkillers and anti-nausea medications. In some cases, the vet might also consider hospitalization or tube feeding and intravenous fluids. Treatment for snake plant poisoning in dogs should begin as soon as possible, as the condition can quickly become life-threatening if left untreated.
What to Do If Dog Eats Snake Plant
If your dog ate a snake plant, there is a chance there could be a potential for severe poisoning. Watch for any signs of poisoning including vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, excessive drooling, or differences in behavior. If any of these signs occur, contact your veterinarian immediately. Depending on the size and type of dog, and the amount of snake plant consumed, your veterinarian may recommend you induce vomiting or administer activated charcoal in order to help prevent further absorption of the plant’s toxins.
How to Treat Your Dog for Snake Plant Poisoning
If you believe your dog has eaten a snake plant or part of one, it is important to take him to the vet as soon as possible. The vet will likely assess the dog for symptoms of snake plant poisoning, such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, lethargy, and loss of appetite. If the vet diagnoses your dog with snake plant poisoning, the treatment will depend on how severe the poisoning is.
The most important step is to prevent your pet from eating any more of the plant. This can be done by removing all plants of the Sansevieria genus from the home, including similar plants such as Dracaena.
If it is mild poisoning, the vet may provide supportive care such as IV fluids to help with hydration, anti-emetics to reduce vomiting, and activated charcoal to help absorb the toxins. If it is severe, a stomach lavage and other interventions may be needed.
In most cases, with the proper medical treatment, dogs will recover from snake plant poisoning. It is important to keep the dog away from any plants that he could chew on and to check which plants are toxic before bringing any new plants into the home.
Recovery of Snake Plant Poisoning in Dogs
Snake plant poisoning in dogs is rarely fatal, and most dogs fully recover when given supportive care treatment. First, take your pet to the veterinarian for an exam. Treatment may include inducing vomiting, activated charcoal, and intravenous fluids to increase blood circulation and prevent dehydration. For severe cases, a checkup of the kidneys and intestines might also be done to ensure there are no organ issues. Your veterinarian may prescribe medication to help relieve the symptoms of snake plant poisoning, such as stomach and intestinal upset. It is important to monitor your pet for changes in urine and appetite, and any other signs of distress. Make sure to follow your veterinarian’s instructions for treatment and home care, and contact the veterinarian if any problems arise.
Preventive Measures To Avoid Dogs From Eating Snake Plants
- Keep the snake plant away from the reach of your dog in a glass cupboard or any other inaccessible place.
- Place the snake plant in an area away from the normal path of your dog, like a high shelf or windowsill.
- Enclose or fence the area around the snake plant with a wire fence or netting to avoid your dog entering the snake plant area.
- Spray the area around the snake plant with scents or substances that dogs generally dislike like citrus, eucalyptus, vinegar, or cayenne pepper.
- Train your dog to stay away from the snake plant. Use positive reinforcements like treats and rewards whenever it complies with your commands.
- Adopt preventive measures to make sure that your dog does not chew or swallow the snake plant leaves. You can also use natural unrelenting agents like aloe vera gel, bitter lemon, and apple cider vinegar as a deterrent. Additionally, cover the leaves with netting or place a protective screen around the plant to make it unattractive to your dog.
Nontoxic Alternatives to Snake Plants
- Peace Lily
- Spider Plant
- Parlor Palm
- Rubber Plant
- Chinese Evergreen
- Dracaena Marginata
- English Ivy
- Boston Fern
- Dragon Tree
- Philodendron
SEE ALSO: Are Dogs Allowed in Walmart?
FAQs
Q. What happens if a dog licks a snake plant?
A. A dog could get sick from licking a snake plant, as many snake plants contain toxins that can make them sick.
Q. Can dogs be in the same room as a snake plant?
A. Yes, dogs can be in the same room as a snake plant, although it is important to keep an eye on the dog and make sure they do not eat any of the plants.
Q. How much snake plant is poisonous?
A. Snake plants are very mildly poisonous if ingested. Small amounts may cause nausea and vomiting, but they are not fatal.
Q. How toxic are snake plants?
A. Snake plants are generally toxic if ingested and are considered to be not safe plants for people and animals.
Q. Are snake plants only toxic to dogs if ingested?
A. Yes, snake plants are typically only toxic to dogs if ingested.
Conclusion
Overall, snake plants are considered mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested. Although it is unlikely to cause significant illness, small amounts can cause mouth and stomach irritation, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you are a pet owner, it’s best to avoid having snake plants in your home or to keep it in a place where your pet can’t access it. Talk to your veterinarian if you’re concerned about any potential health complications your pet may be experiencing.
