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Is Stiff Begonia toxic to dogs?

Begonia rigida

Toxic to dogs

Yes — stiff 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 (Begonia spp., family Begoniaceae) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, which cause oral irritation, excessive salivation, and vomiting; the underground portions carry the highest concentration. Keep away from pets and children.

What to do if your dog ate stiff begonia

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

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

Is stiff begonia toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is stiff begonia toxic to dogs?

Yes — stiff 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 (Begonia spp., family Begoniaceae) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, which cause oral irritation, excessive salivation, and vomiting; the underground portions carry the highest concentration. Keep away from pets and children.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats stiff begonia?

The ASPCA lists Begonia species (Begonia spp., family Begoniaceae) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, which cause oral irritation, excessive salivation, and vomiting; the underground portions carry the highest concentration. Keep away from pets and children. 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 stiff begonia.

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

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

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