Yarrow — R. A. Nonenmacher
Photo by R. A. NonenmacherWikimedia CommonsCC BY-SA 4.0
dog safety reference

Is Yarrow safe for dogs?

Achillea millefolium

Achillea millefolium is a hardy perennial herb known for its feathery, fern-like foliage and clusters of small, daisy-like flowers. While popular in gardens, it contains compounds that can cause adverse reactions if ingested by pets.

Achillea millefoliumCommon YarrowDog DaisyMilfoil
Light
Full sun
Habit
Clumping perennial
Care
Low

Safety status

Dogs

Potentially toxic

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Sources: ASPCA.

If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.

Dogsconcern notes

Common signs

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.

Safer alternatives

No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.

Source evidence

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

toxicology · 99% reliability

Open source

Yarrow is listed as toxic to both dogs and cats, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and dermatitis.

Cats & dogs pagecats pageMy dog ate Yarrow

Same dog verdict

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