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If your dog ate wintergreen boxwood — do this now

  1. Take the plant away and clear any pieces from their mouth.
  2. Do not induce vomiting unless told to by a professional.
  3. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 now.

Wintergreen Boxwood is toxic to dogs (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My dog ate Wintergreen Boxwood — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take wintergreen boxwood away and remove any plant material from your dog's mouth so they cannot eat more.
  2. Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
  3. Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
  5. Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.

This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.

My dog ate wintergreen boxwood — FAQ

Is wintergreen boxwood poisonous to dogs?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Wintergreen Boxwood (Buxus microphylla var. japonica 'Winter Gem') as toxic to dogs. As a Buxus, Wintergreen boxwood falls under the ASPCA listing of boxwood as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The foliage contains steroidal alkaloids (buxine); ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and, in quantity, neurological effects. Bitterness usually limits intake, but prevent pets from chewing plants or fallen clippings.

How serious is it if my dog ate wintergreen boxwood?

Wintergreen Boxwood is toxic to dogs and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet or poison control on (888) 426-4435 straight away rather than waiting to see if symptoms develop.

What symptoms should I watch for?

Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. As a Buxus, Wintergreen boxwood falls under the ASPCA listing of boxwood as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The foliage contains steroidal alkaloids (buxine); ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and, in quantity, neurological effects. Bitterness usually limits intake, but prevent pets from chewing plants or fallen clippings. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.

Should I make my dog vomit?

No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.

How do I stop this happening again?

Keep wintergreen boxwood well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.

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