Begonias are a popular choice for indoor and outdoor gardening, but are they safe for pets? The answer is: it depends. Some begonias are toxic to pets, while others are not. It's important to know which types of begonias are safe for your furry friends before bringing them into your home.

Are Begonias Pet Safe?

Toxic Begonias

The following begonias are known to be toxic to pets:

Begonia semperflorens (wax begonia)

Begonia rex (rex begonia)

Begonia masoniana (iron cross begonia)

Begonia corallina (coral begonia)

These begonias contain a substance called oxalic acid, which can cause a variety of health problems in pets, including kidney failure, vomiting, and diarrhea. If your pet ingests any part of these begonias, it's important to seek veterinary attention immediately.

Non-Toxic Begonias

The following begonias are considered to be non-toxic to pets:

Begonia boliviensis (bolivian begonia)

Begonia elatior (Christmas begonia)

Begonia grandis (hardy begonia)

Begonia mannii (mini begonia)

These begonias do not contain oxalic acid, so they are generally safe for pets to be around. However, it's still important to keep an eye on your pet when they are near any plants, just to be safe.

Tips for Keeping Your Pets Safe from Begonias

If you have pets and you're thinking about adding begonias to your home, there are a few things you can do to keep your furry friends safe:

Choose non-toxic begonias. As mentioned above, some begonias are toxic to pets, while others are not. When choosing begonias for your home, be sure to select non-toxic varieties.

Keep begonias out of reach of pets. Even non-toxic begonias can be harmful to pets if they are ingested in large quantities. Keep begonias out of reach of pets by placing them on high shelves or in hanging baskets.

Monitor your pet's behavior. If you notice your pet chewing on or eating begonias, take them to the vet immediately. Early treatment can help to prevent serious health problems.

By following these tips, you can help keep your pets safe from begonias.