Is Yew Toxic to Dogs?
Also known as: English Yew, Japanese Yew, Taxus baccata · Taxus baccata
What makes it toxic
Taxine A and B alkaloids, concentrated in needles and seeds, which slow cardiac conduction and cause potentially fatal arrhythmias.
Warning signs to watch for
Trembling, incoordination, difficulty breathing, slow heart rate, dilated pupils, vomiting and collapse, sometimes within hours and sometimes suddenly.
What to do if your dog eats it
Drop-everything emergency. Go straight to a veterinary ER with a sample of what was chewed. Early decontamination and cardiac support save lives; waiting does not.
Common questions
How much yew is lethal to a dog?
A mouthful or two of needles can be fatal to a small dog. This is one of the few plants where the threshold is genuinely tiny.
My dog chewed a yew branch that looked dry — is it still dangerous?
Yes. Dried clippings remain toxic for months. Storm debris, hedge trimmings and mulch all carry live taxine.
Is the ground around a yew hedge dangerous too?
Fallen needles accumulate under hedges and dogs sniff and chew them. Sweep or bag clippings and supervise dogs near yew hedges.
More plants checked for dogs
This page is general educational information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Every pet is different — if your animal ate something concerning, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away. Checking what your pet can eat? Visit our sister site SafeOrToxic.