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Is Lesser Begonia toxic to dogs?

Begonia minor

Toxic to dogs

Yes — lesser 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 species as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates (most concentrated in the tubers/roots). Ingestion causes oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

What to do if your dog ate lesser begonia

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

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

Is lesser begonia toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is lesser begonia toxic to dogs?

Yes — lesser 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 species as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates (most concentrated in the tubers/roots). Ingestion causes oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats lesser begonia?

The ASPCA lists Begonia species as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates (most concentrated in the tubers/roots). Ingestion causes oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. 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 lesser begonia.

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

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

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