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If your dog ate painted begonia — do this now

  1. Take the plant away and clear any pieces from their mouth.
  2. Do not induce vomiting unless told to by a professional.
  3. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 now.

Painted Begonia is toxic to dogs (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My dog ate Painted Begonia — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take painted begonia away and remove any plant material from your dog's mouth so they cannot eat more.
  2. Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
  3. Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
  5. 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 painted begonia — FAQ

Is painted begonia poisonous to dogs?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Painted Begonia (Begonia picta) as toxic to dogs. The ASPCA lists Begonia (Begonia spp.) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, concentrated most heavily in the underground roots and rhizomes. Ingestion causes oral irritation, burning of the mouth, excessive drooling, and vomiting in cats and dogs; kidney failure is a risk in horses and other grazing animals. Keep this plant out of reach of pets.

How serious is it if my dog ate painted begonia?

Painted Begonia 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. The ASPCA lists Begonia (Begonia spp.) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, concentrated most heavily in the underground roots and rhizomes. Ingestion causes oral irritation, burning of the mouth, excessive drooling, and vomiting in cats and dogs; kidney failure is a risk in horses and other grazing animals. Keep this 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 painted begonia well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.

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