Wax Begonia

Yes, wax begonias (Begonia semperflorens) are toxic to cats. They contain soluble calcium oxalates that cause immediate irritation to the mouth and throat upon contact, resulting in oral irritation, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting.

Signs typically appear within minutes of chewing because the oxalate irritation is mechanical and immediate. You may see your cat pawing at its mouth, head-shaking, drooling, vomiting, and a sudden refusal to eat. Most cases from leaf nibbles are mild, but a cat that has chewed root or tuber material can show more pronounced GI upset.

Gently rinse your cat's mouth with cool water if it will tolerate it, and you can offer a small amount of milk or yogurt — calcium can help bind soluble oxalates and ease the burn. Do not attempt to induce vomiting, as hydrogen peroxide should never be given to cats. Call your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) right away.

Root and tuber material poses the greatest risk — a cat that has chewed underground parts can present with more pronounced GI upset than one that nibbled a leaf or flower. Call immediately if you suspect your cat has dug into the pot, if drooling and vomiting persist beyond a few minutes, or if you notice any swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat.

Yes, wax begonia (Begonia semperflorens) is potentially toxic to dogs. The plant contains soluble calcium oxalates that cause intense burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue, and lips, along with excessive drooling and vomiting.

Signs typically appear within minutes of chewing and include intense oral burning, excessive drooling, lip-smacking, retching, and vomiting. You may also notice your dog suddenly losing interest in food or pawing at its mouth. Watch for swelling around the muzzle, especially if your dog chewed roots or tubers rather than leaves.

Wipe any plant residue from your dog's mouth with a damp cloth and offer fresh water. Do not induce vomiting or give hydrogen peroxide without speaking to a poison-control specialist first. Call your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 before attempting any home treatment.

Roots and tubers pose a higher concern than leaves — call a vet immediately if your dog has eaten root or tuber material, if vomiting is repeated or contains blood, or if you see swelling around the mouth or difficulty swallowing. A single leaf-nibble with brief drooling is still worth a call to ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435, but ingestion of below-ground plant parts warrants more urgent attention.