Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Green Gem Boxwood toxic to dogs?

Buxus 'Green Gem'

Toxic to dogs

Yes — green 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 Buxus (boxwood) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principles are steroidal alkaloids such as buxine; ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhea and, with larger amounts, ataxia and seizures. The bitter foliage usually deters animals, but keep prunings away from pets and discourage chewing.

What to do if your dog ate green gem boxwood

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move green gem boxwood out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of green gem boxwood to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your dog has eaten green gem boxwood, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is green gem boxwood toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is green gem boxwood toxic to dogs?

Yes — green 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 Buxus (boxwood) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principles are steroidal alkaloids such as buxine; ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhea and, with larger amounts, ataxia and seizures. The bitter foliage usually deters animals, but keep prunings away from pets and discourage chewing.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats green gem boxwood?

ASPCA lists Buxus (boxwood) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principles are steroidal alkaloids such as buxine; ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhea and, with larger amounts, ataxia and seizures. The bitter foliage usually deters animals, but keep prunings away from pets and discourage chewing. 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 green gem boxwood.

What should I do if my dog ate green 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 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is green gem boxwood toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Green Gem Boxwood is toxic to cats as well. See the full green gem boxwood pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to green 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.

Full green gem boxwood pet-safety