Pet safety
Is Franklin's Gem Boxwood toxic to dogs?
Buxus microphylla 'Franklin's Gem'
Yes — franklin's gem boxwood is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. ASPCA lists Boxwood (Buxus) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is a group of steroidal alkaloids (buxine and related compounds); ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea, and GI irritation, with severe cases rare because the bitter foliage deters heavy browsing.
What to do if your dog ate franklin's gem boxwood
- Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move franklin's gem boxwood out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of franklin's gem boxwood to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your dog has eaten franklin's gem boxwood, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Is franklin's gem boxwood toxic to dogs? — FAQ
Is franklin's gem boxwood toxic to dogs?
Yes — franklin's gem boxwood is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Boxwood (Buxus) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is a group of steroidal alkaloids (buxine and related compounds); ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea, and GI irritation, with severe cases rare because the bitter foliage deters heavy browsing.
What are the symptoms if a dog eats franklin's gem boxwood?
ASPCA lists Boxwood (Buxus) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is a group of steroidal alkaloids (buxine and related compounds); ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea, and GI irritation, with severe cases rare because the bitter foliage deters heavy browsing. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your dog has had access to franklin's gem boxwood.
What should I do if my dog ate franklin's gem boxwood?
Stay calm. Remove any plant from your dog's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.
Is franklin's gem boxwood toxic to cats too?
The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Franklin's Gem Boxwood is toxic to cats as well. See the full franklin's gem boxwood pet-safety guide for both species.
What is a dog-safe alternative to franklin's gem boxwood?
For a similar look without the risk, see the best dogs-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Type any plant to see what the ASPCA says about it and your dog.
Full franklin's gem boxwood pet-safety
- Is japanese box toxic to dogs? — the species this cultivar belongs to, checked separately
- Is franklin's gem boxwood toxic to cats and dogs? — the full guide for both pets
- Is franklin's gem boxwood toxic to cats?
- My dog ate franklin's gem boxwood — emergency steps
- Best dogs-safe plants — the full ASPCA non-toxic list
- Complete franklin's gem boxwood care guide
- Best plant app for pet owners — which apps actually flag ASPCA toxicity before you buy the plant
Writing about plant safety? Embed our free pet-toxicity checker on your site — ASPCA-grounded verdicts for 11,000+ plants, no sign-up.