Are snake plants toxic to dogs? Are snake plants poisonous to dogs? In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about if snake plant is safe for dogs including what to do if your dog ate snake plant already. We’ll then explain the two commands that will ensure your dog behaves around snake plant and other potentially toxic plants.

Next, we’ll teach you more about snake plants and dogs, such as how to keep dogs away from snake plant using barriers and other methods. Finally, we’ll wrap all of this up by instructing you on snake plant care (propagation, benefits, light requirements, disadvantages), and more to know when you have dogs. Keep reading!

Are Snake Plants Toxic to Dogs?

Snake plants are toxic to dogs. Also known as mother-in-law’s tongue or Sansevieria, they are popular houseplants due to their low maintenance and air-purifying qualities. You should use caution before placing them in a home with your dogs.

Are Snake Plants Poisonous to Dogs?

Snake plants are poisonous to dogs. They contain saponins, a naturally occurring chemical that is toxic to dogs when eaten. Saponins can lead to gastrointestinal disturbances in dogs, making it important for you to ensure these plants are out of reach.

Although not the most toxic plant, the effects can still be uncomfortable for your furry friend.

Snake Plant Poisoning in Dogs Symptoms

If a dog eats parts of a snake plant, they may exhibit some or all of the following symptoms:

• Vomiting: One of the first signs that your dog may have ingested the plant.
• Diarrhea: Can sometimes be accompanied by blood if large amounts are ingested.
• Reduced Appetite: Your dog might lose interest in food for a while.
• Drooling: Increased salivation can be a direct result of the plant’s bitter taste and its irritant properties.
• Nausea: Your dog might seem uneasy or sick.

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Training “Leave It” Command

One great way to protect your dog from potentially harmful plants is by teaching them the “leave it” command. This command instructs your dog to immediately stop what they’re doing and refrain from touching or eating something.

1. Start with a treat in both hands. Show your dog one treat and say “leave it.”
2. Wait until your dog stops trying to get the treat and looks at you.
3. Once they divert their attention, reward them with the treat from the other hand.
4. Repeat until your dog reliably responds to the command.

Consistent training with positive reinforcement can help ensure your dog avoids snake plants and other potential hazards.

Training “Drop It” Command

The “drop it” command instructs your dog to release whatever they have in their mouth. This can be especially helpful if they’ve picked up a piece of a toxic plant.

1. Play with a toy that your dog loves. Once they have it in their mouth, show them a treat.
2. Say “drop it.” Most dogs will drop the toy to get the treat.
3. Once they drop the toy, reward them with the treat and praise.
4. Practice this regularly to reinforce the behavior.

These commands will get your dog to stay away from Snake Plant, but it’s important to remember that the underlying behavioral issues (curiosity, anxiety, boredom, etc.) that were causing all of this to begin with will still be present. And until you address those, any positive changes you see are only going to be temporary.

“Well, how do I make these changes last?”

By getting your dog to truly choose to follow your direction, that’s how. I tried many times to write out how you can do that before deciding it made more sense to just link you to the free video series that explains it better than I’d ever be able to.

The series is by a man named Dan who is one of the world’s leading dog obedience trainers. In it, he teaches you how to put an end to things like your dog sniffing around Snake Plants and all other misbehavior using his fast and easy-to-follow methods.

In the first video, Dan will reveal to you why the two most common methods of dog training only doom you to failure. You can watch the video now by clicking here. Follow the proven system he’ll show you in his series and you’ll never have to spend another second worrying about your dog eating Snake Plants ever again!

Is Snake Plant Safe for Dogs?

Snake plant is not safe for dogs. While they are admired for their striking appearance and air-purifying benefits, they contain compounds that can be harmful to dogs if eaten.

Dog Ate Snake Plant, What Do I Do?

If you suspect your dog ate snake plant:

1. Stay Calm: Panicking won’t help the situation. Remain composed to best assist your pet.
2. Check for Symptoms: Monitor your dog for signs like vomiting, diarrhea, reduced appetite, drooling, or nausea.
3. Do Not Induce Vomiting: Unless advised by a veterinarian, don’t try to make your dog vomit at home.
4. Contact Your Vet: Even if symptoms are mild or non-existent, it’s always best to consult with a professional for guidance.

Can Dogs Eat Snake Plants?

Dogs can not eat snake plants. These plants contain saponins, which can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs. While the snake plant isn’t the most toxic plant out there, consumption can still lead to discomfort and potential health complications for your pet.

Dog Eating Snake Plants: How to Prevent

Protecting your pet from potentially harmful plants requires proactive measures:

• Position Plants Out of Reach: Consider placing your snake plants on higher shelves or in rooms that your dog doesn’t access.
• Use Barriers: Surround the plant with a protective barrier or gate to keep your dog away.
• Train Commands: Teaching your dog commands like “leave it” can deter them from approaching or nibbling on plants. Learn it now in the first section.
• Offer Safe Alternatives: Provide your dog with safe chew toys to divert their attention from plants.

What Attracts Dogs to Snake Plants?

Several reasons can entice a dog towards a snake plant:

• Curiosity: Dogs, especially puppies, are inherently curious and may nibble on plants to explore their environment.
• Texture: The firm, crunchy texture of the snake plant’s leaves can be appealing for dogs to chew on.
• Attention-Seeking Behavior: If a dog learns that nibbling a plant gets your attention, even if it’s negative, they might repeat the action.
• Boredom: Dogs left alone without ample stimulation might resort to undesirable behaviors, including chewing on plants.

In conclusion, while snake plants bring aesthetic and air-purifying benefits to homes, they pose a risk for our canine companions. If you own a dog and love having plants, it’s important to strike a balance ensuring both your pet’s safety and your plant’s longevity.

Regular training and preventive measures can help them coexist in harmony. Learn two important commands that will help by going back to the first section now.

You should get this handled now, as doing so will also keep your dog safe around other plants in the future. You then won’t have to stress about things like is Wandering Jew toxic to dogs, are Areca Palms poisonous to dogs, are Spider Plants poisonous to dogs, or is Swedish Ivy poisonous to dogs.

Snake Plant and Dogs

Snake plants, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, are popular houseplants due to their low maintenance requirements and air-purifying qualities. However, for dog owners, it’s important to note that these plants can be harmful to canines if ingested.

How to Keep Dogs Away From Snake Plants

To protect both your beloved pet and your favorite plants, consider the following strategies:

• Barriers: Implementing barriers like pet gates or protective fencing around your plants can effectively keep curious dogs at bay.
• High Shelves: Utilize high shelves or hanging planters to place snake plants out of your dog’s reach.
• Clear Communication: Use firm commands when you notice your dog showing interest in the snake plant. Learn “leave it” now in the first section. Over time, they’ll associate the plant with a “no-go” zone.
• Safe Distractions: Provide your dog with safe toys and chews to distract them from the allure of houseplants.

Benefits of Snake Plants in Homes

Despite their potential risks to dogs, snake plants offer several benefits:

• Air-Purification: They’re renowned for their ability to purify the air by removing toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene.
• Low Maintenance: Requiring minimal water and indirect light, snake plants are ideal for those with busy lives or less gardening experience.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Their unique structure and vibrant green color add an aesthetic touch to home decor.

Alternative Dog-Safe Plants

If you’re concerned about the safety of snake plants around dogs, consider these dog-friendly alternatives:

• Boston Fern: This non-toxic fern is safe for dogs and adds a touch of greenery to any room.
• Spider Plant: Although curious dogs might be attracted to its spiderettes, it’s not toxic and is generally safe around pets.
• Areca Palm: A popular indoor plant that’s not toxic to dogs and adds a tropical touch to your home.

In conclusion, while snake plants enhance our living spaces with their beauty and air-purifying capabilities, it’s important for dog owners to ensure their pet’s safety. Through careful placement, barriers, and consistent training (learn how in the first section), snake plants and dogs can coexist harmoniously in the same space.

Snake Plant Care

When it comes to houseplants that are both visually appealing and easy to care for, snake plants (Sansevieria) often top the list. This resilient plant is not only known for its aesthetic beauty but also its ability to thrive in various conditions. Here’s a comprehensive guide on snake plant care, especially considering households with pets.

Care for a Snake Plant

Snake plants are low maintenance, making them ideal for novice plant owners. Here’s how to provide the best care:

• Watering: Snake plants are drought-resistant. Water sparingly, letting the soil dry out between watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
• Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix, preferably cactus or succulent mix.
• Temperature: They prefer temperatures between 70-90°F but can tolerate as low as 50°F.
• Fertilization: Feed with a general-purpose houseplant fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer).

Snake Plant Propagation

Propagating a snake plant is straightforward:

• Leaf Cuttings: Cut a healthy leaf into sections and plant them in soil. It’s important to remember the orientation of the leaf to ensure it’s planted the same way it grew.
• Division: Divide the plant during repotting. Ensure each division has some roots attached.

Snake Plant Benefits

Apart from their decorative aspect, snake plants offer other benefits:

• Air Purification: They remove indoor air pollutants, including formaldehyde and benzene.
• Oxygen Production at Night: Unlike most plants, snake plants release oxygen during the night, making them ideal for bedrooms.

Snake Plant Light Requirements

Light is crucial for the growth and color of snake plants:

• Light Intensity: They thrive in bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light conditions.
• Direct Sunlight: While they can handle some direct sunlight, prolonged exposure can lead to the leaves getting sunburned.

Snake Plant Disadvantages

While snake plants have many advantages, they come with a few drawbacks:

• Toxicity: They can be toxic to pets if ingested, causing gastrointestinal discomfort.
• Overwatering: Being a succulent, it’s prone to root rot if overwatered.
• Pest Attraction: While generally pest-resistant, they can sometimes attract mealybugs or spider mites.

In summary, snake plants are a popular choice for homes due to their low-maintenance nature and air-purifying qualities. However, you should be very cautious about keeping it in a home with your dogs. You must be mindful of its toxicity and keep it out of their reach. Proper care and attention will ensure your snake plant thrives for years to come.

Learn the two commands you’ll need to know to keep your dog safe around snake plants and other toxic plants by going back to the first section of this article now.

I’m sure it’s good to have all of your questions about Snake Plant and dogs answered, so I’ll let you get started now. Best wishes, and thank you for reading our article “Are Snake Plants Toxic to Dogs? Are Snake Plants Poisonous to Dogs?”