Mother-In-Law’s Tongue

Dracaena trifasciata, more commonly known as the snake plant or mother-in-law’s tongue, is a common indoor house plant. Many of our followers will instantly recognise this plant from the characteristic flat elongated vertical leaves. Calls to the Animal Poisons Helpline regarding plants in the Dracaena genus also form a significant portion of all plant related calls that the Helpline handles.

The snake plant contains a variety of saponin and glycoside compounds. Whilst pets that ingest this plant are unlikely to develop life-threatening effects, significant irritation to the gastrointestinal tract, with subsequent drooling, vomiting, and reduced appetite can occur. Occasionally, pets that eat this plant may develop other effects such as dilated pupils, weakness, unsteadiness on the feet and labored breathing.

☎️ If your pet shows interest in your indoor house plants, ensure they are kept out of reach wherever possible. If your pet has ingested something they should not have, please phone the Animal Poisons Helpline 1300 869 738 (AU) or 0800 869 738 (NZ)  for advice. The Animal Poisons Helpline provides a free service for all pet owners in Australia and New Zealand, and we can rapidly determine if your pet requires immediate veterinary assessment or can be observed at home.

The Animal Poisons Helpline is proudly sponsored by Bow Wow Meow for Pets, who are currently offering two months free pet insurance in the first year of coverage for Helpline followers. Visit bowwowinsurance.com.au/poisons and enter AP368 at checkout to take advantage of this offer.