Why it is dangerous to dogs
Yew is an evergreen conifer planted as hedges, in gardens, parks and cemeteries. Its needles, twigs, bark and seeds contain poisons that act on the heart and the nervous system. The red flesh of the berry is less poisonous, but the seed inside it is highly poisonous.
Dogs love to carry and chew sticks, so hedge clippings are dangerous too: they stay poisonous even when dried. The amount that causes harm differs from dog to dog and cannot be judged at home. Sometimes the first sign is a sudden collapse.
If your dog may have chewed yew, contact a vet or an emergency clinic straight away, even if it seems well. Tell them when it could have happened, and take a photo or a piece of the twig with you.
What to watch out for
- The heart rhythm can be disturbed, and the dog can suddenly collapse.
- Vomiting, muscle tremors and staggering can follow.
- The dog can find it hard to breathe.
- Cut, dried branches the dog may find in a pile in the garden are dangerous too.
Which parts are dangerous
Not every part of the plant is equally dangerous.
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Needles and twigs
DangerousThey are poisonous both green and dried, so a yew stick is not a toy.
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Berries
DangerousThe red flesh is less poisonous, but the seed inside it is highly poisonous.
What it can cause
Signs that can appear after eating it. Each page explains what to look out for and when to hurry to a vet.
Safe plants instead
Plants that are safer to keep.