Is Yew (Japanese, English, American) Toxic to Cats and Dogs?
Yew trees and hedges are severely toxic to both cats and dogs — taxine alkaloids can stop the heart, and death can occur suddenly without warning. Any chewing is an emergency.
Potentially life-threatening — treat any exposure as an emergency.
Potentially life-threatening — treat any exposure as an emergency.
In an emergency, do not wait.
Medical disclaimer: This tool is for general information only and isnot a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. Toxicity depends on the amount, your pet’s size, and health history. If your pet may have ingested something harmful, contact your veterinarian or a poison control hotline ((888) 426-4435 / (855) 764-7661) immediately — do not wait for symptoms to appear.
What is Yew (Japanese, English, American)?
Yew trees and hedges are severely toxic to both cats and dogs — taxine alkaloids can stop the heart, and death can occur suddenly without warning. Any chewing is an emergency.
Also known as: taxus, japanese yew, english yew, american yew, taxine, yew tree, yew hedge.
Symptoms to Watch For
🐕 In Dogs
- Vomiting, drooling, and diarrhea
- Tremors, wobbliness, and difficulty breathing
- Slow or irregular heartbeat and low blood pressure
- Sudden collapse, seizures, and death — sometimes without earlier warning signs
🐈 In Cats
- Vomiting and drooling
- Tremors, weakness, and difficulty breathing
- Slow or irregular heartbeat
- Sudden collapse and death, sometimes without earlier warning signs
What to Do If Ingested
- Call a veterinarian or poison hotline immediately — do not wait for symptoms.
- Note which parts were eaten; needles and seeds are most toxic (the red berry flesh is the only non-toxic part).
- Remove any remaining needles or seeds from the mouth.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian instructs you to.
Steps apply to both cats and dogs. When in doubt, call a vet or poison hotline before acting. Have a cat? Run the Pet Poison Triage Wizard for cat-specific steps.
When to Call the Vet Immediately
Call your veterinarian or a poison control hotline right away if you notice any of these:
- Any part of a yew was eaten — needles, bark, or seeds
- Vomiting, tremors, or breathing difficulty
- Collapse, seizure, or unresponsiveness — go to an emergency clinic
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the red berry on the yew dangerous?
The red, fleshy cup around the seed (the aril) is the only non-toxic part of the yew — but the seed inside it is highly toxic, as are the needles, bark, and wood. Pets that swallow berries have usually also crunched the seed. Treat any yew exposure as an emergency.
Why is yew poisoning often sudden?
Taxine alkaloids block sodium channels in the heart, and in serious cases the heart can stop with little or no warning — animals have been found dead beside chewed yew branches. That is why "any amount eaten = call immediately" is the rule here, even though the pet seems fine.
Are yew clippings from pruning dangerous?
Yes — and they stay dangerous. Dried yew clippings in compost, mulch, or a neighbor’s yard remain toxic, and livestock and pets have died from eating week-old trimmings. Bag and dispose of yew prunings where pets cannot reach them, and do not let dogs forage near yew hedges.
Sources
This entry is reviewed against the following authoritative veterinary sources.
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants Database
- Merck Veterinary Manual — Toxicology
- Pet Poison Helpline — Poisons
Last reviewed: 2026-10-16