Dogs
Potentially toxicConsulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
dog safety reference
Is English Yew safe for dogs?
Taxus baccata
English Yew is a highly toxic evergreen conifer containing taxine alkaloids that affect the cardiovascular and nervous systems. Ingestion of any part of the plant, especially the needles and seeds, is considered a medical emergency.
Common YewEnglish YewEuropean YewTaxus baccata
- Light
- Partial shade to full sun
- Habit
- Evergreen shrub or tree
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
What this means for your dog
Dogs: yew is acutely lethal. Chewed needles or bark can trigger fatal cardiac arrest, and the ASPCA flags muscular tremors, dyspnea, and seizures as early warning signs in dogs. Treat any yew ingestion as a true emergency, not a wait-and-see GI upset.
What to watch for
In dogs, the most common early signs are muscular tremors, difficulty breathing, drooling, and vomiting. Pet Poison Helpline also reports weakness, dilated pupils, an initially fast then slowed heart rate, low blood pressure, seizures, coma, and sudden death. Sudden collapse can precede the milder signs.
Time window
Pet Poison Helpline reports that yew toxicity can develop rapidly after ingestion, with sudden cardiac death possible. Specific onset and recovery windows for dogs are not well documented in the cited sources.
When to call the vet
Call immediately, before symptoms appear. Any quantity of yew chewed by a dog warrants an emergency vet visit or a call to ASPCA Poison Control / Pet Poison Helpline.
First aid at home
Per Pet Poison Helpline: remove your dog from the plant, confirm it is breathing and acting normally, do NOT give home antidotes, and do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison control instructs you to. Bring a sample of the plant material with you to the clinic.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.
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.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
Vomiting, lethargy, muscle tremors, seizures, difficulty breathing, and irregular heartbeat.
Escalation note
The toxins in this plant are potent and can be fatal even in small amounts. Immediate veterinary intervention is required if your dog has chewed or ingested any part of the plant.
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
The Yew contains taxine, which is a cardiotoxic alkaloid that can cause sudden death.
Kew Plants of the World Online
botanical · 95% reliability
Taxus baccata L. is the accepted scientific name for the English Yew.
Questions about English Yew
Is English Yew toxic to dogs?
Yes, English Yew (Taxus baccata) is highly toxic to dogs. It contains taxine alkaloids that affect the cardiovascular and nervous systems, and even a small amount can be fatal. Any suspected ingestion is a medical emergency requiring immediate veterinary care.
What are the symptoms of yew poisoning in dogs?
Early signs include muscular tremors, difficulty breathing, drooling, and vomiting. As toxicity progresses, dogs may show weakness, dilated pupils, an initially fast then slowed heart rate, low blood pressure, seizures, and coma. Sudden cardiac collapse can occur before milder signs even appear.
What should I do if my dog ate English Yew?
Remove your dog from the plant and call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) immediately — do not wait for symptoms to appear. Do not induce vomiting or give home antidotes unless a vet or poison control instructs you to. Bring a sample of the plant to the clinic.
How quickly does yew poisoning affect dogs?
Yew toxicity can develop rapidly after ingestion, and sudden cardiac death is possible with little warning. Specific onset timelines are not well documented, which is exactly why Pet Poison Helpline recommends calling for emergency help before any symptoms appear rather than watching and waiting.
Same dog verdict
Related plants for dogs
Monstera
Monstera deliciosa
Monstera deliciosa is a popular tropical houseplant known for its large, fenestrated leaves and vining growth habit. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Snake Plant
Dracaena trifasciata
Dracaena trifasciata is a popular, hardy houseplant known for its stiff, sword-like leaves with striking yellow margins. It is widely appreciated for its air-purifying qualities and ability to thrive in various indoor conditions.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Philodendron
Philodendron spp.
Philodendrons are popular tropical foliage plants known for their lush, heart-shaped or split leaves. They contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Cuban Oregano
Coleus amboinicus
The Bread and Butter plant is a succulent herb known for its aromatic, fleshy leaves often used in culinary applications. While popular as a kitchen herb, it contains essential oils that can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.