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Pet safety

Is Beefsteak Begonia toxic to dogs?

Begonia erythrophylla

Toxic to dogs

Yes — beefsteak begonia is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. The ASPCA lists Begonia (Begonia spp.) as toxic to both cats and dogs; the toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, with the underground rhizomes being the most toxic part. Ingestion can cause oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth, drooling, and vomiting. Keep this plant out of reach of pets.

What to do if your dog ate beefsteak begonia

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move beefsteak 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 beefsteak begonia to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is beefsteak begonia toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is beefsteak begonia toxic to dogs?

Yes — beefsteak begonia is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ASPCA lists Begonia (Begonia spp.) as toxic to both cats and dogs; the toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, with the underground rhizomes being the most toxic part. Ingestion can cause oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth, drooling, and vomiting. Keep this plant out of reach of pets.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats beefsteak begonia?

The ASPCA lists Begonia (Begonia spp.) as toxic to both cats and dogs; the toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, with the underground rhizomes being the most toxic part. Ingestion can cause oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth, drooling, and vomiting. Keep this plant out of reach of pets. 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 beefsteak begonia.

What should I do if my dog ate beefsteak 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 beefsteak begonia toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to beefsteak 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 beefsteak begonia pet-safety