Are Snake Plants Safe for Pets?
Snake plants, also known scientifically as Sansevieria, are a popular choice for indoor plants. Their hardy nature, low maintenance, and air purifying qualities have made them a top choice for indoor gardeners. But are they safe for pets to be around? This article will delve into the potential benefits and risks of having snake plants around your furry friends.
The benefits of snake plants
Snake plants have a number of benefits in addition to being easy to care for. These tall, spiky plants have strong leaves that can help filter the air in your home or office space by removing toxins such as formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and benzene from the air.
Their unique shape also makes them an interesting addition to your indoor décor, and they can be used to accentuate other plants or simply create a striking focal point in a room.
Are snake plants toxic to pets?
If you’re a pet owner, you are probably concerned about the potential risks that houseplants can pose to your furry friends. The good news is that snake plants are generally safe to have around pets, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
This is because snake plants are classified as mildly toxic to dogs and cats. This means that they can cause some discomfort if ingested, but they are not typically life-threatening. Some of the symptoms that pets may experience after ingesting snake plant leaves can include stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea.
While these symptoms can be distressing for pet owners to see, they are generally not serious and will usually resolve on their own within a short period of time.
How to protect your pets from snake plants
While snake plants are not likely to cause serious harm to pets, it’s still important to take steps to protect your furry friends from any potential risks. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Keep snake plants out of reach
One of the easiest ways to protect your pets from snake plants is to keep them out of reach. This means placing them on a tall shelf or in a hanging planter where pets can’t get to them.
2. Train your pets to stay away
If you have a curious pet who likes to explore every corner of your home, it may be helpful to train them to stay away from your snake plants. This can be done using verbal cues, positive reinforcement, or even bitter-tasting sprays that will discourage them from nibbling on the leaves.
3. Choose a different plant if you have an especially curious pet
If you have a pet who is especially curious or prone to chewing on plants, it may be wise to choose a different type of indoor plant. Some plants, such as spider plants, are considered completely non-toxic to pets and are a great alternative to snake plants.
The verdict
Overall, snake plants are a safe and beneficial addition to your indoor garden. While they may cause some discomfort if ingested by pets, the risks are generally low and can be mitigated by taking simple precautions to protect your furry friends.
So, if you’re looking for a low-maintenance, pet-friendly plant that can help clean the air in your home or office, a snake plant might just be the perfect choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q. Can snake plants kill pets?
- A. No, snake plants are considered mildly toxic, which means that while they can cause some discomfort if ingested, they are not typically life-threatening.
- Q. What are the symptoms of snake plant poisoning in pets?
- A. If your pet ingests snake plant leaves, they may experience symptoms such as upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Q. Are snake plants safe for dogs?
- A. Yes, snake plants are generally considered safe for dogs, although they can cause discomfort if ingested.
- Q. Are snake plants safe for cats?
- A. Yes, snake plants are generally considered safe for cats, although they can cause discomfort if ingested.
- Q. How can I protect my pets from snake plants?
- A. To protect your pets, you can keep snake plants out of reach, train your pets to stay away from them, or choose a different type of plant if you have an especially curious pet.
References:
- American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). (n.d.). Snake Plant. Retrieved from https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/snake-plant
- California Poison Control System. (n.d.). Snake Plant. Retrieved from http://calpoison.org/hcp/KNOW%20YOUR%20PLANTS-plant%20list%20for%20CPCS%2009B.pdf
- National Capital Poison Center. (n.d.). Sansevieria trifasciata. Retrieved from https://poison.org/articles/2015-jun/sansevieria-trifasciata