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Is Scharff's Begonia toxic to dogs?

Begonia scharffiana

Toxic to dogs

Yes — scharff's 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. Listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats and dogs; the soluble calcium oxalates present throughout the plant (concentrated in roots and tubers) cause oral irritation, salivation, nausea, and vomiting if ingested.

What to do if your dog ate scharff's begonia

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

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

Is scharff's begonia toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is scharff's begonia toxic to dogs?

Yes — scharff's begonia is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats and dogs; the soluble calcium oxalates present throughout the plant (concentrated in roots and tubers) cause oral irritation, salivation, nausea, and vomiting if ingested.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats scharff's begonia?

Listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats and dogs; the soluble calcium oxalates present throughout the plant (concentrated in roots and tubers) cause oral irritation, salivation, nausea, and vomiting if ingested. 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 scharff's begonia.

What should I do if my dog ate scharff's 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 scharff's begonia toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to scharff's 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 scharff's begonia pet-safety