Pet emergency
My dog ate Fortune's Plum Yew — what to do
Step by step
- Take fortune's plum yew away and remove any plant material from your dog's mouth so they cannot eat more.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
- Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.
This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.
My dog ate fortune's plum yew — FAQ
Is fortune's plum yew poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Fortune's Plum Yew (Cephalotaxus fortunei) as toxic to dogs. Cephalotaxus fortunei contains cephalotaxine alkaloids including harringtonine and homoharringtonine throughout all plant parts. These compounds are protein synthesis inhibitors with confirmed cytotoxic activity. Though Cephalotaxus is not individually listed by ASPCA, the alkaloid profile indicates significant toxicity risk to pets and humans if ingested. Keep away from dogs, cats, and children. Seek veterinary advice immediately if ingestion is suspected.
How serious is it if my dog ate fortune's plum yew?
Fortune's Plum Yew is toxic to dogs and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet or poison control on (888) 426-4435 straight away rather than waiting to see if symptoms develop.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. Cephalotaxus fortunei contains cephalotaxine alkaloids including harringtonine and homoharringtonine throughout all plant parts. These compounds are protein synthesis inhibitors with confirmed cytotoxic activity. Though Cephalotaxus is not individually listed by ASPCA, the alkaloid profile indicates significant toxicity risk to pets and humans if ingested. Keep away from dogs, cats, and children. Seek veterinary advice immediately if ingestion is suspected. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.
Should I make my dog vomit?
No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.
How do I stop this happening again?
Keep fortune's plum yew well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is fortune's plum yew toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Fortune's Plum Yew and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide