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Pet safety

Is Painted Begonia toxic to dogs?

Begonia picta

Toxic to dogs

Yes — painted 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 cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, concentrated most heavily in the underground roots and rhizomes. Ingestion causes oral irritation, burning of the mouth, excessive drooling, and vomiting in cats and dogs; kidney failure is a risk in horses and other grazing animals. Keep this plant out of reach of pets.

What to do if your dog ate painted begonia

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

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

Is painted begonia toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is painted begonia toxic to dogs?

Yes — painted 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 cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, concentrated most heavily in the underground roots and rhizomes. Ingestion causes oral irritation, burning of the mouth, excessive drooling, and vomiting in cats and dogs; kidney failure is a risk in horses and other grazing animals. Keep this plant out of reach of pets.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats painted begonia?

The ASPCA lists Begonia (Begonia spp.) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, concentrated most heavily in the underground roots and rhizomes. Ingestion causes oral irritation, burning of the mouth, excessive drooling, and vomiting in cats and dogs; kidney failure is a risk in horses and other grazing animals. 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 painted begonia.

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

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

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