Pet ingestion lookup

My dog ate Yarrow - what should I do?

Achillea millefolium

Potentially toxic

Contact your veterinarian or an animal poison-control resource now, especially if any amount was chewed or swallowed.

Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.

Safety verdict

Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.

Signs to watch for

Vomiting, diarrhea, and increased salivation.

Escalation note

While typically mild, ingestion can cause significant stomach upset. Always consult a veterinarian if your dog shows signs of illness after exposure.

First aid at home

Gently wipe out your dog's mouth with a damp cloth to remove any plant residue and offer fresh water. Do not induce vomiting at home. Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA APCC at (888) 426-4435 before giving any treatment.

What to watch for

Most-common signs are vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and loss of appetite. Some dogs also show colic-style abdominal discomfort, depression, or skin irritation (dermatitis) where the plant contacted the skin.

Time window

Onset is typically within a few hours of ingestion. Most dogs recover within 24–48 hours with supportive care; ASPCA notes yarrow is not organ-toxic, so persistent signs beyond that window warrant a vet recheck.

When to call the vet

Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) if your dog is vomiting more than once or twice, has bloody or persistent diarrhea, won't eat or drink for more than a few hours, or seems unusually depressed or wobbly. Small or young dogs and any dog that ate a large amount should be evaluated promptly.

What this means for your dog

Dogs can get sick from chewing yarrow, but it is rarely a true emergency. ASPCA lists yarrow as toxic to dogs because of its glycoalkaloids, monoterpenes, and sesquiterpene lactones, and the typical picture is gastrointestinal upset rather than organ damage.

Sources: ASPCA.

Source references

Poison-control resources

Plant identity pageYarrow & dogs

This page summarizes source-bound plant-safety information and is not veterinary advice.