Safety verdict
Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Pet ingestion lookup
My dog ate Yew - what should I do?
Taxus spp.
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.
Signs to watch for
Drooling, vomiting, weakness, muscle tremors, collapse, and sudden cardiac arrest.
Escalation note
This plant is highly toxic and can be fatal even in small amounts. Seek immediate veterinary care if your dog has consumed any part of the plant.
First aid at home
Bring any chewed plant material, needles, or seeds (or a clear photo of the shrub) to the clinic for identification. Do not induce vomiting at home and do not give anything by mouth — call ASPCA APCC (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) and follow their instructions while you transport your dog.
What to watch for
Early signs are drooling, vomiting, and trembling. Cardiac and CNS signs follow rapidly: weakness, ataxia, dyspnea, dilated pupils, life-threatening changes in heart rate and blood pressure, seizures, coma, and collapse. Sudden cardiac arrest can be the first observed sign.
Time window
Absorption is rapid in monogastric animals, and clinical signs (or sudden death) can occur within minutes to several hours of ingestion. Hospital monitoring is typically required for at least 24 hours due to the risk of delayed arrhythmias.
When to call the vet
Call immediately. Any suspected yew ingestion is a drive-to-the-ER emergency. Phone ASPCA APCC (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) on the way and bring a sample of the plant.
What this means for your dog
Yew is among the most lethal landscape shrubs for dogs — taxine alkaloids are absorbed quickly and can stop the heart with very little ingested. ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline both note that the first sign of yew poisoning is often sudden death, so any chewed needles, twigs, or seeds are a true emergency.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline, NC State Extension.
Poison-control resources
This page summarizes source-bound plant-safety information and is not veterinary advice.