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Pet safety

Is Japanese box toxic to dogs?

Buxus microphylla

Toxic to dogs

Yes — japanese box 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. Buxus spp. are listed as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses by the ASPCA. All parts contain alkaloids including buxine; ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy. The bitter taste usually limits consumption. Keep pets away from clippings.

What to do if your dog ate japanese box

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move japanese box 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 japanese box to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is japanese box toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is japanese box toxic to dogs?

Yes — japanese box is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Buxus spp. are listed as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses by the ASPCA. All parts contain alkaloids including buxine; ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy. The bitter taste usually limits consumption. Keep pets away from clippings.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats japanese box?

Buxus spp. are listed as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses by the ASPCA. All parts contain alkaloids including buxine; ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy. The bitter taste usually limits consumption. Keep pets away from clippings. 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 japanese box.

What should I do if my dog ate japanese box?

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 japanese box toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Japanese box is toxic to cats as well. See the full japanese box pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to japanese box?

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 japanese box pet-safety