Is Begonia Toxic to Pets?
Yes — begonia is mildly toxic to cats. Yes — begonia is mildly toxic to dogs. Yes — begonia is mildly toxic to horses.
PawSafe Check is for general information only and is not veterinary advice. Always contact your veterinarian or a poison control service if you think your pet has been exposed.
- Scientific name
- Begonia spp.
- Toxic compound
- Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals
- Toxic parts
- Tubers (most toxic), leaves
- Also known as
- wax begonia, tuberous begonia
Symptoms
Cats (mildly toxic)
- Pawing at the mouth or face
- Drooling
- Burning or irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue
- Vomiting
- Trouble swallowing
Dogs (mildly toxic)
- Pawing at the mouth or face
- Drooling
- Burning or irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue
- Vomiting
- Trouble swallowing
Horses (mildly toxic)
- Pawing at the mouth or face
- Drooling
- Burning or irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue
- Vomiting
- Trouble swallowing
What to do
If your cat ate begonia
- Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and keep it out of reach.
- Gently rinse the mouth and offer fresh water.
- Call your vet if symptoms persist, get worse, or your cat is small, young or elderly.
If your dog ate begonia
- Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and keep it out of reach.
- Gently rinse the mouth and offer fresh water.
- Call your vet if symptoms persist, get worse, or your dog is small, young or elderly.
If your horse ate begonia
- Remove any plant material from your horse's mouth and keep it out of reach.
- Gently rinse the mouth and offer fresh water.
- Call your vet if symptoms persist, get worse, or your horse is small, young or elderly.
Good to know
Begonia tubers are the most irritating part. Leaves cause milder mouth irritation.
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Frequently asked questions
Is begonia toxic to cats?
Yes — begonia is mildly toxic to cats. Common signs include pawing at the mouth or face, drooling, burning or irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue.
Is begonia toxic to dogs?
Yes — begonia is mildly toxic to dogs. Common signs include pawing at the mouth or face, drooling, burning or irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue.
Is begonia toxic to horses?
Yes — begonia is mildly toxic to horses. Common signs include pawing at the mouth or face, drooling, burning or irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue.
Which parts of begonia are toxic?
Tubers (most toxic), leaves.
What makes begonia toxic?
Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals.
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