Is it toxic to dogs?
Spider plant
Chlorophytum comosum · Asparagaceae
Also called Ribbon plant, Spider ivy, Anthericum
Non-Toxic to dogs
No. ASPCA's plant database lists spider plant as non-toxic to dogs. A 2019 ASPCA houseplant article adds that eating some can still cause mild stomach upset, usually vomiting or diarrhea.
Why it’s considered safe for dogs
Spider plant is a hardy, arching houseplant best known for the baby plantlets that dangle from long stems. ASPCA's Animal Poison Control database lists it as non-toxic to dogs, and Pet Poison Helpline also calls it non-toxic to companion animals.
There is one wrinkle. A 2019 ASPCA article on houseplants groups spider plant under "mildly toxic" plants, where small amounts may irritate the stomach and cause vomiting and diarrhea. In practice the two fit together: the plant is not a poison, but it is not food either, and some dogs get an upset stomach from chewing it.
The bigger risk is a name mix-up. "Ribbon plant" is a common name for spider plant and also for Dracaena sanderiana, sold as lucky bamboo, which is toxic to dogs. Check the Latin name on the tag. The dangling plantlets are also easy for a curious dog to grab.
If your dog ate spider plant
Most dogs that chew a spider plant need little more than a quiet watch. The plant is not listed as a poison, but it can still irritate the stomach and lead to vomiting or diarrhea.
Call your vet if the vomiting or diarrhea keeps going, your dog stops eating or seems unusually tired, or a large amount was eaten. Also call if the plant was recently sprayed or fed with a fertilizer or pesticide, or if you are not sure it really is a spider plant, since the same nickname is used for a toxic dracaena. In the US, ASPCA Animal Poison Control is at (888) 426-4435 and Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply); elsewhere, call your local emergency vet.
Never try to make your dog vomit at home.
Keeping your dog safe
Hang the plant or set it on a high shelf if your dog likes to tug on the plantlets; a hanging planter works well because the long stems are what dogs grab. Cut the plantlets off if they trail within reach.
Keep fertilizer sticks, granules and plant sprays in a closed cabinet, and skip pesticides on any plant your dog can reach. Pet Poison Helpline warns that fertilizers can contain pesticides and other chemicals that raise the risk of poisoning.
For more greenery that ASPCA lists as non-toxic, try Boston fern or parlor palm.
Frequently asked questions
Will a spider plant make my dog sick?
Usually not, but it can. ASPCA's database lists it as non-toxic, while a 2019 ASPCA article says small amounts may cause mild stomach irritation with vomiting or diarrhea. Call your vet if signs continue.
Is a ribbon plant the same as a spider plant?
Not always. Ribbon plant is a name used for spider plant and also for Dracaena sanderiana (lucky bamboo), which is toxic to dogs. Use the Latin name Chlorophytum comosum to be sure.
Are the spider plant babies safe for dogs?
The plantlets are part of the same plant, so the same classification applies: non-toxic, but still capable of causing mild stomach upset if swallowed in quantity.
Should I stop my dog from chewing it anyway?
Yes. Even safe plants are not part of a dog's diet, and any plant material can cause mild stomach upset. Redirect your dog and keep the plant out of reach.
Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 30, 2026. Editorial policy