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Is Tuberous Begonia toxic to dogs?

Begonia × tuberhybrida

Toxic to dogs

Yes — tuberous 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. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, most concentrated in the tuber. Signs of ingestion include oral burning and irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. The stored tubers are the most hazardous part, so keep them and the growing plants out of reach of pets and consult a vet if eaten.

What to do if your dog ate tuberous begonia

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

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

Is tuberous begonia toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is tuberous begonia toxic to dogs?

Yes — tuberous 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. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, most concentrated in the tuber. Signs of ingestion include oral burning and irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. The stored tubers are the most hazardous part, so keep them and the growing plants out of reach of pets and consult a vet if eaten.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats tuberous begonia?

Begonia is ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, most concentrated in the tuber. Signs of ingestion include oral burning and irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. The stored tubers are the most hazardous part, so keep them and the growing plants out of reach of pets and consult a vet if eaten. 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 tuberous begonia.

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

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

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