Is Yew Poisonous to Dogs and Cats?
Quick answer
Yes, seriously. The ASPCA lists yew (Taxus species, including Japanese yew) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. It names taxine as the toxin and lists sudden death from acute heart failure, with early signs in dogs of muscle tremors, difficulty breathing and seizures. Treat any yew eating as an emergency.
From the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Not veterinary advice. See who to call.
Has your pet eaten any part of a yew? Phone your own vet or the nearest emergency vet now. Find an emergency vet
US animal poison lines, 24 hours, both take calls from owners: ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 (the ASPCA says a consultation fee may apply) and Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 (USD 99 per incident). Elsewhere: poison lines in 34 countries.
This page is not veterinary advice. It tells you what the named sources publish and who to call. There are no home treatment steps here, on purpose. Full disclaimer.
On this page (6 sections)
What the ASPCA says
The ASPCA lists yew (Taxus spp., also called Japanese yew) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, with taxine as the toxic principle. Yew is a common evergreen hedge and is cut for winter wreaths and garlands. Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control, Yew.
Symptoms
The ASPCA lists sudden death from acute cardiac failure, and early signs of muscle tremors, dyspnoea (difficulty breathing) and seizures in dogs. Because the first sign can be collapse, do not wait for symptoms. Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control, Yew.
What to do now
- Phone your vet or the nearest emergency vet and go in straight away, even if your pet seems well.
- Take a sprig of the plant or a photo so the vet can confirm it is yew.
- Do not give food, drink or remedies to make your pet sick unless a vet tells you to.
Prevention
- Do not use yew cuttings in wreaths or table decorations in a home with pets.
- Clear up hedge clippings straight away, and keep dogs away from yew hedges they chew.
Questions people ask
Is yew poisonous to dogs?
Yes. The ASPCA lists yew as toxic to dogs, with sudden death from heart failure possible, and early signs of tremors, difficulty breathing and seizures.
Is yew poisonous to cats?
Yes. The ASPCA lists yew as toxic to cats as well as dogs and horses.
What is the toxin in yew?
The ASPCA names taxine as the toxic principle.
Sources
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control, Yew, read 7 November 2026.
- Pet Poison Helpline, FAQ (fee), read 7 November 2026.
Sources last checked 7 November 2026. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
Related pages
Pet emergency: what to do right now, my dog ate something, signs of poisoning, antifreeze and rock salt and paws.