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Pet safety

Is Rex Begonia toxic to dogs?

Begonia rex-cultorum

Toxic to dogs

Yes — rex 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. Begonia is ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses (Rex Begonia has its own ASPCA entry). The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, most concentrated in the underground rhizome. Signs include intense mouth burning and irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Keep away from pets that chew foliage, and seek veterinary advice if ingestion is suspected.

What to do if your dog ate rex begonia

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

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

Is rex begonia toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is rex begonia toxic to dogs?

Yes — rex begonia is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Begonia is ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses (Rex Begonia has its own ASPCA entry). The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, most concentrated in the underground rhizome. Signs include intense mouth burning and irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Keep away from pets that chew foliage, and seek veterinary advice if ingestion is suspected.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats rex begonia?

Begonia is ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses (Rex Begonia has its own ASPCA entry). The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, most concentrated in the underground rhizome. Signs include intense mouth burning and irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Keep away from pets that chew foliage, and seek veterinary advice if ingestion is suspected. 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 rex begonia.

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

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

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