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Is Begonia 'Varsity Red' toxic to dogs?

Begonia semperflorens 'Varsity Red'

Toxic to dogs

Yes — begonia 'varsity red' 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, dogs and horses owing to soluble calcium oxalates, which are most concentrated below ground. Chewing any part can cause oral burning, drooling, vomiting and trouble swallowing. Keep out of reach of pets.

What to do if your dog ate begonia 'varsity red'

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

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

Is begonia 'varsity red' toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is begonia 'varsity red' toxic to dogs?

Yes — begonia 'varsity red' 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, dogs and horses owing to soluble calcium oxalates, which are most concentrated below ground. Chewing any part can cause oral burning, drooling, vomiting and trouble swallowing. Keep out of reach of pets.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats begonia 'varsity red'?

The ASPCA classifies Begonia as toxic to cats, dogs and horses owing to soluble calcium oxalates, which are most concentrated below ground. Chewing any part can cause oral burning, drooling, vomiting and trouble swallowing. Keep 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 begonia 'varsity red'.

What should I do if my dog ate begonia 'varsity red'?

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 'varsity red' toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to begonia 'varsity red'?

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 'varsity red' pet-safety