Pet emergency
My dog ate Begonia 'Tiny Gem' — what to do
Step by step
- Take begonia 'tiny gem' away and remove any plant material from your dog's mouth so they cannot eat more.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
- Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.
This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.
My dog ate begonia 'tiny gem' — FAQ
Is begonia 'tiny gem' poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Begonia 'Tiny Gem' (Begonia × 'Tiny Gem') as toxic to dogs. ASPCA lists Begonia as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, most concentrated in the underground rhizome. Ingestion causes mouth irritation, drooling and vomiting; grazing animals risk kidney damage. Keep this small, accessible plant out of reach of pets.
How serious is it if my dog ate begonia 'tiny gem'?
Begonia 'Tiny Gem' is toxic to dogs and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet or poison control on (888) 426-4435 straight away rather than waiting to see if symptoms develop.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. ASPCA lists Begonia as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, most concentrated in the underground rhizome. Ingestion causes mouth irritation, drooling and vomiting; grazing animals risk kidney damage. Keep this small, accessible plant out of reach of pets. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.
Should I make my dog vomit?
No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.
How do I stop this happening again?
Keep begonia 'tiny gem' well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is begonia 'tiny gem' toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Begonia 'Tiny Gem' and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide