Ezina · A Field Manual for Plant Care · United States Vol. I · Ed. 2027 · Proof copy

§ Toxic plants · Begoniaceae · Checked Oct 2026

Is begonias toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes. Begonias (Begonia spp.) is toxic to cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Plant Smart rates its effects Severe, level 3 of 4.

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Begonias (Begonia spp.)
Photo: Robert John Thornton (1768-1837), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

§ 010 · Signs

What to watch for

Signs include kidney failure, vomiting and drooling. Signs can start within hours; some take a day or more to show.

§ 020 · If it happened

What to do if your pet ate it

Call your vet or a pet poison hotline straight away, even if your pet seems fine: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline, (855) 764-7661. Both are open 24 hours and charge a fee. Have the plant or a photo of it to hand, and don’t make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to.

§ 030 · Same family

Other Begoniaceae plants toxic to pets

Begonias belongs to the Begoniaceae family. ASPCA lists these relatives too.

§ 040 · Questions

Questions about begonias and pets

Is begonias toxic to cats?

Yes. ASPCA lists begonias as toxic to cats.

Is begonias toxic to dogs?

Yes. ASPCA lists begonias as toxic to dogs.

What happens if my pet eats begonias?

Signs include kidney failure, vomiting and drooling. Plant Smart rates it Severe, level 3 of 4.

What should I do if my pet ate it?

Call your vet or a pet poison hotline right away, even before signs appear: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Both charge a fee. Have the plant, or a photo of it, to hand.

Changes

5 Oct 2026: page drafted.

Sources

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.

Plant Smart: Plant Smart: plants toxic to pets.

Photo: Robert John Thornton (1768-1837), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons, source.

Checked Oct 2026.