Indoors and out
Is Begonia toxic to cats and dogs?
Begonia species · also called Wax begonia, rex begonia, tuberous begonia
Cats
Mildly toxicDogs
Mildly toxicBegonias are mildly toxic to cats and dogs. They cause mouth irritation, drooling and vomiting. The underground tubers are the most toxic part.
By Maya HartIf your pet chewed it
- Rinse your pet’s mouth with water and offer a drink.
- Most pets recover within a few hours; call your vet if drooling, vomiting or pawing at the mouth continues.
- If your pet dug up and ate a tuber, call your vet.
Signs to watch for
- Drooling and pawing at the mouth
- Burning and swelling of the mouth and lips
- Vomiting
- Difficulty swallowing
What is harmful
- Parts
- All parts, especially tubers
- Substance
- Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals
The details
Begonias are popular in hanging baskets, borders and on windowsills. Dogs who dig in pots and flowerbeds are at most risk, because the tubers contain the highest concentration of oxalate crystals. The pain in the mouth usually stops pets eating much.
Pet-safe alternatives
Questions owners ask
Is Begonia toxic to cats?
Yes — mildly toxic to cats. Harmful parts: all parts, especially tubers.
Is Begonia toxic to dogs?
Yes — mildly toxic to dogs. Harmful parts: all parts, especially tubers.
What happens if a pet eats begonia?
drooling and pawing at the mouth, burning and swelling of the mouth and lips, vomiting, difficulty swallowing.
What should I do if my pet chewed it?
Rinse your pet’s mouth with water and offer a drink. Most pets recover within a few hours; call your vet if drooling, vomiting or pawing at the mouth continues. If your pet dug up and ate a tuber, call your vet.
What are pet-safe alternatives to begonia?
African violet, Moth orchid, Peperomia, Polka dot plant.
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts
