Is Boxwood Toxic to Pets?
Yes — boxwood is toxic to cats. Yes — boxwood is toxic to dogs. Yes — boxwood is toxic to horses.
PawSafe Check is for general information only and is not veterinary advice. Always contact your veterinarian or a poison control service if you think your pet has been exposed.
- Scientific name
- Buxus sempervirens
- Toxic compound
- Steroidal alkaloids
- Toxic parts
- All parts
- Also known as
- buxus, box hedge
Symptoms
Cats (toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Reduced appetite
Dogs (toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Reduced appetite
Horses (toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Reduced appetite
What to do
If your cat ate boxwood
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your cat ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
If your dog ate boxwood
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your dog ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
If your horse ate boxwood
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your horse ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
Good to know
Boxwood hedges can cause vomiting, diarrhea and, in larger amounts, breathing trouble.
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Frequently asked questions
Is boxwood toxic to cats?
Yes — boxwood is toxic to cats. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.
Is boxwood toxic to dogs?
Yes — boxwood is toxic to dogs. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.
Is boxwood toxic to horses?
Yes — boxwood is toxic to horses. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.
Which parts of boxwood are toxic?
All parts.
What makes boxwood toxic?
Steroidal alkaloids.
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