How To Protect Your Pet From Snake Plant

If you've ever lost a pet, then you know exactly how distressing it feels.

Apart from the feeling of grief, you can be overwhelmed by guilt especially in situations where the pet died as a result of negligence.

But how can you prevent such feelings in the first place?

The answer lies in protecting your pet from situations and things that can lead to its death.

Many edible and non-edible items are harmful to pets, but most of them seem harmless until it gets to them.

One of the non-edible items that are harmful but mostly overlooked by pet parents is the snake plant.

What is a Snake Plant?

In the tropical part of West Africa, there is an evergreen perennial flowering plant that forms dense stands which spread from a creeping rhizome that is sometimes underground or above the ground, its name is snake plant. 

Scientifically, it's called Dracaena trifasciata but many people call it Saint George's sword, viper's browsing hemp, mother-in-law's tongue and snake plant because of the shape and sharp margins of the leaves.

Snake plant is becoming a popular ornamental plant in warmer and cooler climates because it can tolerate low light levels and irregular watering. 

Because it is easy to care for a snake plant, many pet parents are now having this plant in their homes without knowing the dangers it can pose to their pets.

Are Snake Plants Safe For Pets?

Snake plants contain saponins.

Saponin is a toxic organic chemical with a bitter taste and is toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. So, snake plant is not safe for pets.

Although saponins give the plant a bitter taste which makes it unpalatable, it can cause life-threatening diarrhea, nausea and vomiting when eaten by dogs and cats.

What are the Benefits of Snake Plant in Homes?

Even though snake plant is toxic to pets, a research carried out by the National Aeronautics and Space Association (NASA) in collaboration with the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA) has found that the plant can remove volatile organic pollutants in homes.

But how can you enjoy the benefits of snake plants while keeping pets at the same time?

You'll find the answer to this question in the next section.

How To Protect Your Pets From Snake Plants

Pets like to explore their homes and surroundings and can taste, eat, or munch on your snake plant.

But you can protect them from the toxicity in the plant by making the snake plant inaccessible and less enticing, or by training your pets to stay away from the plant.

1. Fence off the snake Plant

Until your pets can stay away from the area the plant is, the first step is to fence off your snake plant.

Fencing off helps in making the area safe for your pets and also protect the plant from being destroyed by your pets.

The best type of fence for this purpose should be made with a flexible material that allows for adjusting the plant knight to the size needed to protect your snake plant. 

See this plant and tree protector on Amazon

2. Train Your Pets to Stay Away from the Snake Plant

The best way to protect your pets from the toxins in snake plant is to train them not to get in contact with the plant.

You can train them by using the off command but this will require you to be present at all times whenever your pet gets closer to where the plant is.

The best way to train them to stay away from the plant is by using:

Liquid fence dog and cat repellent spray

Apart from acting as a liquid fence, this substance helps in keeping your dog and cat out of the area where your snake plant is. 

This ready to use formula works by masking the smell of familiar odours to safely repel your pet from getting close to the plant.

Spray this repellent directly to your snake plant until your pets can recognise the plant as a forbidden object. 

This repellent is safe to use at home because it is harmless to humans and animals. Besides, you don't have to spray it every day. It can be sprayed once a week and its effects can last for a long time.

SEE LIQUID FENCE DOG AND CAT REPELLENT ON CHEWY

PetSafe Wireless Containment System

If you wouldn't like to fence off the area where your snake plant is, this wireless containment system is the best option for you.

This product works by marking the area where your snake plant is kept so that whenever your pet crosses the boundary, the wireless unit in your home sends a static correction and annoying tone to your pet's collar. This signal serves as a reminder to your pet that the area is out of bound.

This system is easy to set up and has five levels of corrections.

SEE PETSAFE WIRELESS CONTAINMENT SYTEM ON CHEWY

First Aid For Your Pets in case of Snake Plant Poisoning

Whenever you suspect that your pet has eaten a snake plant, ensure that first aid is administered immediately even if the pet has not shown the signs of vomiting, diarrhea, or nausea.

The first thing you should do is to call your vet immediately. 

Endeavour to mention to your vet that the pet has eaten a snake plant based on your suspicion.

Be ready to write down any instructions your vet might give regarding the situations and carry it out immediately.

If your pet behaves abnormally and shows signs of aggression towards you, endeavour to put a muzzle on the pet, or wrap the tape around the nose and tie behind the ears (don't do this if the pet is having difficulties in breathing).

If the first aid that was recommended by your vet isn't working, it's time to drive your pet carefully to where proper medical attention can be given.

You should do this if your pet seems weak, depressed, reluctant to get up or slow in movement.

In some situations, your pet can vomit, have difficulties in breathing or diarrhea. Don't wait until it is too late when you see these warnings.

Conclusion

Snake plant can remove toxins in your home while at the same time giving you a beautiful visual appeal. 

However, if you have pets like cat or dog, it's important to know how you can protect your pets from this snake plant because of the saponin in it.

There are several ways to protect your pets as well as the snake plant. The best way to do this involves fencing the area where your snake plant is kept, or training your pet to avoid the plant.

Ensure that the method you choose is convenient, safe and adds beauty to your home.

Incase your pet accidentally get poisoned by your plant, call your vet immediately and seek first aid advice. In situation where first aid fails, don't hesitate to take your pet to where proper emergency medical attention can be given.