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Pet safety

Is Wintergreen Boxwood toxic to dogs?

Buxus microphylla var. japonica 'Winter Gem'

Toxic to dogs

Yes — wintergreen 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. 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.

What to do if your dog ate wintergreen boxwood

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

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

Is wintergreen boxwood toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is wintergreen boxwood toxic to dogs?

Yes — wintergreen boxwood is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. 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.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats wintergreen boxwood?

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. 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 wintergreen boxwood.

What should I do if my dog ate wintergreen 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 wintergreen boxwood toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to wintergreen 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 wintergreen boxwood pet-safety