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Boxwood, the common hedge shrub, is toxic to dogs. Its leaves and stems contain alkaloids (mainly buxine) that cause vomiting and diarrhea, and large amounts can affect the nervous system and heart. Dogs are most exposed by chewing clippings or the hedge itself.
Check Boxwood for your dog
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Why Boxwood is dangerous
Boxwood (Buxus) contains steroidal alkaloids, chiefly buxine, in its leaves and stems. These irritate the digestive tract and, in large amounts, can act on the nervous system and heart, so the usual result is vomiting and diarrhea with more serious signs after a big ingestion.
Signs to watch for
Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling; after a large amount, wobbliness, tremors, or an abnormal heartbeat
What to do next
Clear up hedge clippings where dogs roam, take the plant away, and call your vet for large amounts, clippings eaten, a small dog, or any sign beyond mild stomach upset.
A small nibble of leaf usually causes drooling and stomach upset. Larger amounts, or chewing a pile of hedge clippings, raise the risk of more than GI signs, and small dogs are affected sooner.
Can I treat this at home?
A small nibble in a bright dog can usually be watched at home with water available.
When should I call the vet?
A large amount or a pile of clippings eaten, a small dog, or signs beyond stomach upset such as wobbliness, tremors, or a racing heart.
•ASPCA APCC, toxic and non-toxic plants: boxwood (buxine alkaloids)
•Pet Poison Helpline, boxwood
Compiled from veterinary poison-control and medical reference sources, including the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, the Pet Poison Helpline, and the Merck Veterinary Manual. This is general educational information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for examination by your veterinarian. DogSafe's severity ratings are our own assessment, calculated from published guidance and your dog's weight. In an emergency, call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661.