Pet safety
Is Begonia 'Cowardly Lion' toxic to dogs?
Begonia × 'Cowardly Lion'
Yes — begonia 'cowardly lion' 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 as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, most concentrated in the rhizome; ingestion causes oral irritation, salivation, and vomiting, with kidney failure possible in grazing animals.
What to do if your dog ate begonia 'cowardly lion'
- Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move begonia 'cowardly lion' out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of begonia 'cowardly lion' to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your dog has eaten begonia 'cowardly lion', contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Is begonia 'cowardly lion' toxic to dogs? — FAQ
Is begonia 'cowardly lion' toxic to dogs?
Yes — begonia 'cowardly lion' 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 as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, most concentrated in the rhizome; ingestion causes oral irritation, salivation, and vomiting, with kidney failure possible in grazing animals.
What are the symptoms if a dog eats begonia 'cowardly lion'?
The ASPCA lists Begonia as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, most concentrated in the rhizome; ingestion causes oral irritation, salivation, and vomiting, with kidney failure possible in grazing animals. 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 'cowardly lion'.
What should I do if my dog ate begonia 'cowardly lion'?
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 'cowardly lion' toxic to cats too?
The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Begonia 'Cowardly Lion' is toxic to cats as well. See the full begonia 'cowardly lion' pet-safety guide for both species.
What is a dog-safe alternative to begonia 'cowardly lion'?
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 'cowardly lion' pet-safety
- Is begonia 'cowardly lion' toxic to cats and dogs? — the full guide for both pets
- Is begonia 'cowardly lion' toxic to cats?
- My dog ate begonia 'cowardly lion' — emergency steps
- Best dogs-safe plants — the full ASPCA non-toxic list
- Complete begonia 'cowardly lion' care guide