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.
dog safety reference
Is Pacific Yew safe for dogs?
Taxus brevifolia
The Pacific Yew is an evergreen conifer containing taxine alkaloids that are highly poisonous to most animals. Ingestion of any part of the plant, especially the needles and seeds, can lead to severe systemic distress.
Pacific YewTaxus brevifoliaWestern Yew
- Light
- Partial shade to full shade
- Habit
- Evergreen tree or shrub
- Care
- Low
Safety status
What this means for your dog
All parts of Pacific yew except the fleshy red aril are highly toxic to dogs, with the needles and seeds carrying the highest taxine load. The taxine alkaloids interfere with cardiac conduction, and dogs are at risk of seizures and sudden cardiac collapse on top of the GI signs.
What to watch for
Tremors, vomiting, drooling, and trouble breathing are common. Dogs are also prone to seizures with this exposure, and acute heart failure can occur suddenly — sometimes as the first visible sign.
Time window
Onset can be within hours of ingestion, but yew is notorious for sudden cardiac death without much preceding clinical illness, which is why immediate evaluation is essential even if your dog seems fine.
When to call the vet
Treat any chewing on yew foliage, bark, or berries as an emergency. Call ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) or go directly to a vet — don't wait for symptoms to develop.
First aid at home
Remove any remaining plant from your dog's mouth, save a piece for ID, and head to the vet now. Do not induce vomiting at home — Pet Poison Helpline lists unsupervised emesis as a common first-aid mistake, and yew exposure needs cardiac monitoring.
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
Muscle weakness, dilated pupils, collapse, irregular heartbeat, and gastrointestinal distress.
Escalation note
The entire plant is toxic and can be fatal if ingested. Seek immediate veterinary care if you suspect your dog has consumed any portion of this 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
Questions about Pacific Yew
Is Pacific Yew toxic to dogs?
Yes, Pacific Yew (Taxus brevifolia) is highly toxic to dogs. The entire plant contains taxine alkaloids and is considered potentially fatal — treat any ingestion as a veterinary emergency.
What symptoms will my dog show after eating Pacific Yew?
Symptoms include muscle weakness, dilated pupils, tremors, vomiting, drooling, trouble breathing, irregular heartbeat, and collapse. Seizures can occur, and acute heart failure may strike suddenly — sometimes as the first visible sign — which is why yew poisoning is considered especially dangerous.
What should I do if my dog ate Pacific Yew?
Remove any remaining plant from your dog's mouth, save a piece for identification, and go to a vet immediately. Do not induce vomiting at home — unsupervised emesis is a common first-aid mistake with yew, and your dog needs cardiac monitoring. Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 on the way.
How quickly does Pacific Yew poisoning affect dogs?
Onset can occur within hours of ingestion, but Pacific Yew is notorious for causing sudden cardiac death with little preceding illness. Do not wait for symptoms to appear — even a dog that seems fine after chewing yew foliage, bark, or berries needs immediate veterinary evaluation.
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