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 American Yew safe for dogs?
Taxus canadensis
American Yew is a low-growing evergreen shrub containing taxine alkaloids that are highly poisonous to most mammals. Ingestion of any part of the plant, especially the needles and seeds, can cause severe systemic reactions.
American YewGround HemlockTaxus canadensis
- Light
- Partial shade to full shade
- Habit
- Spreading shrub
- Care
- Low
Safety status
What this means for your dog
Yew is one of the most dangerous plants a dog can eat. Taxine A and B in the needles, bark, and seeds attack the heart's electrical conduction and can cause sudden cardiac death — sometimes with no warning signs at all. Treat any chewed needle or swallowed seed as a true emergency.
What to watch for
Some dogs drool, vomit, or look nauseated within 30 minutes to a few hours. Others skip GI signs entirely and progress straight to muscle tremors, dilated pupils, weakness, difficulty breathing, seizures, or sudden collapse. Dogs have been found dead with no observed symptoms — absence of signs is not reassurance.
Time window
Most signs appear within 30 minutes to a few hours; collapse within 15 minutes has been documented. There is no safe observation window — get to a clinic now.
When to call the vet
Go to an emergency veterinary clinic immediately. Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 on the way. Do not wait to see whether your dog gets sick.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline, NC State Extension.
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
Drooling, vomiting, muscle weakness, dilated pupils, and sudden collapse due to heart failure.
Escalation note
The toxins in this plant can cause rapid onset of severe symptoms. Seek immediate veterinary attention if ingestion is suspected.
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
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Taxus canadensis is a low-growing, spreading evergreen shrub native to North America, known for its high toxicity.
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