Are Snake Plants Really Toxic to Dogs? (7 Great Alternatives)

Yes, snake plants are toxic to dogs. However, they are only minorly toxic, and serious overdoses are quite rare. Snake plants contain a chemical known as saponin, which is a natural insecticide. It keeps the plant from being eaten by bugs, but it is also toxic to dogs in large amounts. 

Saponin is naturally bitter and foaming when it comes into contact with saliva. Consuming high amounts can cause excess salivation, nausea, diarrhea, and dilated pupils. Theoretically, death can occur, but this is extremely rare. 

Plus, snake plants do not taste very good. They’re very bitter, and the saponin creates a burning sensation in their mouth. Therefore, it is rare for a dog to consume all that much of the plant. Poisonings are rare, though they can happen. 

Snake plants are rarely deadly to dogs, though they can be. However, they can cause discomfort and pain. If your dog consumes large amounts of a snake plant, you may want to call your vet, just in case. 

How to Keep Your Dog Away from Snake Plants

There are several ways you can keep your dog away from snake plants. Hopefully, most dogs won’t try to eat the plant after trying once due to the bitter taste and burning sensation. However, some dogs are very determined and may repeatedly try to eat the plant. 

1. Dog-Safe Deterrents 

You can attempt to use a safe repellent that dogs do not like. There are several options, like pepper, vinegar, or citrus. Spray these deterrents on the plant and see if they’re enough to keep your dog away. You may have to try a few things before you find something that your dog really doesn’t like. 

However, you will have to re-apply these frequently, as watering or rain will wash off the deterrent. 

2. Put the Plant Out of Reach

You can also put the snake plant somewhere your dog cannot get to it. In many cases, this is the most straightforward option. If you can find a high shelf, hanging basket, or similar place your dog cannot reach, put it there to keep the plant and your dog safe. 

Of course, you should ensure the area is still suitable for your plant. 

3. Put Up a Barrier

Alternatively, you can put up a barrier to deny your dog access to the plant. Often, this only works if you don’t mind keeping your dog out of the whole area. 

For instance, you can keep your snake plant in the office and put up a gate to prevent your dog from entering the office. This method completely prevents your dog from accessing the plant. It may work best if you have several plants you need to keep out of your dog’s reach. 

4. Train Your Dog

You can also train your dog to avoid the plant, though this can be time-consuming. Some dogs are easier to train than others, as well. This route may be easier if your dog already knows a few commands. However, for puppies that are still learning the basics, you may have to use a different method to keep your dog out of the snake plant. 

Dog-Safe Alternatives to Snake Plants

Of course, the best way to prevent snake plant poisoning is not to have them in your house. There are several alternative plants you may want to choose that are low-maintenance while still being safe for your canine.

1. Spider Plant

Spider plants are a common houseplant for people with pets. They’re very easy to keep, making them a good choice for beginners. They prefer indirect sunlight, which works well indoors, and they prefer to dry out between waterings (meaning they need less watering overall).

They have long, arching leaves with green and white stripes, which make them interesting to look at. These plants are an elegant solution for any home. 

They’re also known for their air-purifying properties. They may help improve indoor air quality by filtering out common indoor air pollutants. 

It’s pretty easy to see why they would be so popular. 

2. Boston Fern

Boston ferns are a classical houseplant. Even if you didn’t know what this fern was called, you’ve probably seen one. They’re extremely common, especially in households with pets. 

Part of their popularity comes from them being very easy to care for. They require a bit more humidity than other plants, allowing them to work well in areas that are already humid. However, misting can also provide them with the humidity they need to thrive.

Of course, they’re completely non-toxic to pets. Their lush, green foliage is reminiscent of the jungle, and they tend to grow very well in many different conditions. 

3. Areca Palm

While not as easy to care for as some other plants on this list, this tiny palm is becoming more and more popular as a houseplant. It thrives in bright, indirect light, which describes the light condition of most homes out there. Plus, it’s completely non-toxic to all pets. 

You do need to water these plants very regularly. They prefer to stay moist at all times, though their soil shouldn’t be soggy. 

Their feathery fronds can provide a unique look to any home, so they’re a great option for those looking for a plant that’s a little bit different. Of course, they also work very well for a beach-themed home. 

4. Bamboo Palms

Bamboo palms are another popular type of houseplant that resembles a very small palm tree. They’re extremely low maintenance while also being completely safe for dogs. Therefore, they’re a great option for those who don’t have much time on their hands (or who have a bit of a black thumb).

They can even tolerate low light conditions, so they work well in practically any household. You should allow their soil to partially dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Most people overwater this plant instead of underwater it.

5. African Violet

These charming flowering plants have a very different aesthetic than other plants in this list. They’re one of the few low-maintenance plants that are also flowering. Therefore, if you want a plant that flowers, this is the one we recommend. 

They come in all shades of blue and white, so you could potentially purchase several of them while still having some amount of variety. Of course, they’re completely safe for dogs, which is how they landed on this list. 

These flowers prefer bright, indirect light, making them work well in homes. They also prefer consistently moist soil, but you shouldn’t keep their soil waterlogged. 

6. Calathea 

This plant species is known for its striking foliage pattern, making it a perfect decorative option. They’re also completely safe for pets of all sorts. You can find their leaves in all sorts of different colors, allowing you to choose the best option for your home. 

They don’t need very much light and often do just fine in bright, indirect light. However, we only recommend them in areas that are naturally humid or if you want to constantly mist the plant. They require consistent humidity, or their leaves will brown. 

We recommend keeping the soil evenly moist. However, don’t water it so much that the water pools. 

7. Chinese Money Plant

The Chinese Money Plant is known for being “good luck.” They’re supposed to bring money into your home, assuming you take good care of them. They do require a bit more maintenance than other plants on this list, but their distinctive round leaves also set them apart from other plants on this list.

These plants thrive in moderate to bright indirect light. Therefore, you’ll need to place them in a pretty sunny window. You should also keep the top inch of the soil dry, only watering once it feels like it has dried completely.