Is Yarrow Toxic to Dogs and Cats? (2026)
Achillea millefolium
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Quick facts
| Toxic to dogs | Yes |
|---|---|
| Toxic to cats | Yes |
| Toxic to horses | Yes |
| Toxic component | Essential oils and sesquiterpene lactones |
| Onset of symptoms | Within a few hours |
| Indoor / outdoor | outdoor |
If your pet ate this plant
Both lines are staffed 24/7. A consultation fee applies to each. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before calling.
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Symptoms in dogs
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Skin irritation from contact
Symptoms in cats
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
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What to do
Usually resolves with monitoring; contact a vet if symptoms are severe or persistent.
Toxic component and mechanism
The toxic component in Yarrow is essential oils and sesquiterpene lactones.
What makes this plant different
Yarrow's essential oils cause mostly mild GI upset and occasional skin irritation — despite widespread use in herbal folk remedies, it's not a benign plant for pets, just a low-severity one.
Plant identification
- Scientific name
- Achillea millefolium
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Also known as
- Yarrow, Milfoil, Devil's Nettle, Old Man's Pepper
- Typically found
- outdoor
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Last verified: July 2, 2026 · Cross-referenced with ASPCA Animal Poison Control