Is Yew Toxic to Pets?
Yes — yew is toxic to cats and can be fatal. Yes — yew is toxic to dogs and can be fatal. Yes — yew is toxic to horses and can be fatal.
PawSafe Check is for general information only and is not veterinary advice. Always contact your veterinarian or a poison control service if you think your pet has been exposed.
- Scientific name
- Taxus spp.
- Toxic compound
- Taxine alkaloids
- Toxic parts
- All parts except the red flesh of the berry; seeds are toxic
- Also known as
- japanese yew, english yew, taxus
Symptoms
Cats (toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Slow, fast or irregular heartbeat
- Weakness
- Collapse; can be fatal
Dogs (toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Slow, fast or irregular heartbeat
- Weakness
- Collapse; can be fatal
Horses (toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Slow, fast or irregular heartbeat
- Weakness
- Collapse; can be fatal
What to do
If your cat ate yew
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your cat ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
If your dog ate yew
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your dog ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
If your horse ate yew
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your horse ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
Good to know
Yew is extremely dangerous, especially for horses, where sudden death can occur. Dogs and cats can develop heart failure.
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Frequently asked questions
Is yew toxic to cats?
Yes — yew is toxic to cats and can be fatal. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.
Is yew toxic to dogs?
Yes — yew is toxic to dogs and can be fatal. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.
Is yew toxic to horses?
Yes — yew is toxic to horses and can be fatal. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.
Which parts of yew are toxic?
All parts except the red flesh of the berry; seeds are toxic.
What makes yew toxic?
Taxine alkaloids.
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