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.
Call a vet or poison control now. Do not wait for symptoms.
ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661. A consultation fee may apply.
Source-backed guidance. Not individualized veterinary advice.(more)
Compiled from veterinary poison-control and medical references, including the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, Pet Poison Helpline, and Merck Veterinary Manual.
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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
Related items
Check the exact item or ingredient before assuming two similar exposures carry the same risk.
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.
🚨Step-by-step: what to do in the first 10 minutes →Available 24/7. A consultation fee may apply.
A closer look at boxwood
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. The details below use the specific facts for this exposure, rather than treating it like every other plant question.
1. Start with the exact exposure
For a closely related comparison, read Lantana. 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.
2. Use the facts to decide whether to monitor or call
Another helpful reference is Morning Glory. A small nibble in a bright dog can usually be watched at home with water available. 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.
3. If the details are uncertain
Follow the first 10 minutes guide. 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.
FAQ
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.
A small nibble in a bright dog can usually be watched at home with water available.
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
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: toxic and non-toxic plants
- Merck Veterinary Manual: overview of household hazard toxicoses in animals