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Pet safety

Is Begonia toxic to dogs?

Begonia × hortensis

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists begonia as mildly toxic to dogs — a chewing dog typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. ASPCA lists Begonia species as toxic to cats and dogs due to soluble calcium oxalates, especially in the tubers. Causes oral irritation and vomiting.

What to do if your dog ate begonia

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move begonia out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of begonia to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your dog has eaten begonia, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is begonia toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is begonia toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists begonia as mildly toxic to dogs — a chewing dog typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. ASPCA lists Begonia species as toxic to cats and dogs due to soluble calcium oxalates, especially in the tubers. Causes oral irritation and vomiting.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats begonia?

ASPCA lists Begonia species as toxic to cats and dogs due to soluble calcium oxalates, especially in the tubers. Causes oral irritation and vomiting. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your dog has had access to begonia.

What should I do if my dog ate begonia?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your dog's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is begonia toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Begonia is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full begonia pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to begonia?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best dogs-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full begonia pet-safety