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Pet safety

Is Begonia 'Northern Lights' toxic to dogs?

Begonia rex-cultorum 'Northern Lights'

Toxic to dogs

Yes — begonia 'northern lights' 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 classifies Begonia as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, most concentrated in the underground rhizome, causing vomiting and salivation if chewed and kidney failure in grazing animals. Keep away from pets.

What to do if your dog ate begonia 'northern lights'

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

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

Is begonia 'northern lights' toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is begonia 'northern lights' toxic to dogs?

Yes — begonia 'northern lights' is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ASPCA classifies Begonia as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, most concentrated in the underground rhizome, causing vomiting and salivation if chewed and kidney failure in grazing animals. Keep away from pets.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats begonia 'northern lights'?

The ASPCA classifies Begonia as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, most concentrated in the underground rhizome, causing vomiting and salivation if chewed and kidney failure in grazing animals. Keep away from 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 begonia 'northern lights'.

What should I do if my dog ate begonia 'northern lights'?

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 'northern lights' toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to begonia 'northern lights'?

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 'northern lights' pet-safety