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Is Yew toxic to dogs and cats?

Taxus baccata, Taxus cuspidata · Taxaceae

Yes — Yew is toxic to pets (critical). Dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, horses and livestock

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Is Yew toxic to cats?Is Yew toxic to dogs?
My pet just ate this
Why it is toxic

Taxine alkaloids in needles, bark and seed; the red flesh of the berry is the only low-risk part

How fast symptoms appear: Minutes to a few hours; can be sudden with no warning signs

Symptoms of poisoning
  • Trembling
  • Wobbly gait
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Slow heart rate
  • Collapse
  • Sudden cardiac arrest
What to do first
  1. Emergency vet now — this is one of the fastest-acting garden plants.
  2. Bring a clipping for identification.
  3. Keep your pet calm and warm during transport.
(888) 426-4435ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (855) 764-7661Pet Poison Helpline
What your vet will do
Emesis only if the ingestion is very recent and the animal is still well, then continuous ECG, intravenous fluids and antiarrhythmics. Prognosis is guarded once an arrhythmia is established.

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Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant list; Merck Veterinary Manual, Toxicology; Milewski & Khan, J Vet Emerg Crit Care 2006. PetPlantGuard is complementary to veterinary care and never replaces your vet.