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Is Red-Silk Begonia toxic to dogs?

Begonia rufosericea

Toxic to dogs

Yes — red-silk 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. All Begonia species are listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principles are soluble calcium oxalates concentrated in the tubers and roots; ingestion causes oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

What to do if your dog ate red-silk begonia

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

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

Is red-silk begonia toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is red-silk begonia toxic to dogs?

Yes — red-silk begonia is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All Begonia species are listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principles are soluble calcium oxalates concentrated in the tubers and roots; ingestion causes oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats red-silk begonia?

All Begonia species are listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principles are soluble calcium oxalates concentrated in the tubers and 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 red-silk begonia.

What should I do if my dog ate red-silk 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 red-silk begonia toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to red-silk 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 red-silk begonia pet-safety