Is it toxic to dogs?
Yew
Taxus spp. · Taxaceae
Also called English yew, Japanese yew, American yew, Pacific yew
Toxic to dogs
Severity: Severe
Yes. Yew is one of the most dangerous garden plants for dogs. Nearly all of it contains taxines that can cause tremors, seizures and sudden death from heart failure, so treat any chewing as an emergency.
- Toxic parts
- Needles, bark and stems, Seeds inside the red berries are highly toxic, The red fleshy covering (aril) is not toxic
- Toxic compounds
- Taxine A and B (taxines), volatile oil
- Where you’ll find it
- Garden
Signs of poisoning
- Muscle tremors
- Difficulty breathing
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Severe drooling
- Seizures
- Slow heart rate
- Slow breathing
- Collapse
- Coma
- Sudden death from heart failure
Why it’s harmful to dogs
Yew is an evergreen conifer with flat, dark green needles and bright red, cup-like berries. It's among the most common hedge and foundation plants in cooler climates, which puts it right where dogs walk and play.
Pet Poison Helpline says the toxic compounds, called taxines, occur throughout the plant. Only the red flesh around the seed is considered non-toxic, and the seed inside is highly toxic, so a dog that crunches a berry can still be poisoned. For small animals, Pet Poison Helpline says any amount or part can cause poisoning. The ASPCA lists tremors, trouble breathing and seizures in dogs, with sudden death from acute heart failure possible.
Merck Veterinary Manual describes treatment as symptomatic at best and usually futile once signs appear in animals, so speed matters. Dogs usually get exposed by chewing hedge clippings, branches or berries.
If your dog ate yew
Act immediately, even if your dog seems normal, because there may be little time. Phone your vet or an emergency clinic now, and let a poison helpline guide you from there. US owners can reach ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply); elsewhere, call your local emergency vet. Don't induce vomiting at home.
Bring a clipping or a photo, and tell the vet whether your dog ate needles, berries or clippings. Note any tremors, vomiting, labored breathing or collapse so you can describe them on the phone.
Keeping your dog safe
If you have a dog, think hard before planting yew, and consider replacing existing hedges. Where you keep it, fence it off from the dog's area. Rake up berries and sweep away needles, and bag hedge trimmings right away so no one chews on a pile left on the lawn.
Avoid tying a dog near yew and check unfamiliar hedges on walks. Teach a solid "leave it". For an evergreen-looking screen with spring flowers, camellias are listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to dogs, as are roses.
Dog-safe alternatives
Frequently asked questions
Is yew poisonous to dogs?
Yes. The ASPCA lists English, American and Japanese yew as toxic to dogs, and Pet Poison Helpline calls yew highly toxic.
Are the red yew berries safe?
Only the soft red flesh is considered non-toxic. The seed inside is highly toxic according to Pet Poison Helpline, so do not treat berries as safe.
How much yew is dangerous to a dog?
Pet Poison Helpline says any amount or part can cause poisoning in small animals. Call your vet or a poison helpline right away rather than waiting.
Can yew poisoning be treated?
Veterinary care can support a dog, but Merck Veterinary Manual says treatment is limited and often unsuccessful once signs appear. That is why an immediate call matters.
Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 30, 2026. Editorial policy