Viewers of the popular ITV daytime programme This Morning were left deeply concerned during a live broadcast on Friday, after witnessing a worrying incident involving a canine guest. The segment, which was intended to focus on pet dental care, took an unexpected turn when the featured dog began drinking water from glasses left on the studio table.
Live Vet Demonstration Takes Unexpected Turn
Resident pet expert Dr Scott Miller appeared on the show alongside presenters Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary to discuss the crucial importance of brushing pets' teeth. For the demonstration, Dr Miller brought along his spaniel Mango, who typically serves as his trusty sidekick during such segments. The vet proceeded to showcase proper teeth-brushing techniques live on air, using dental snacks and treats to keep Mango occupied and settled on the studio sofa.
Canine Thirst Sparks Studio Chaos
Just minutes into the interview, Mango grew restless and jumped down from the sofa. The spaniel then approached the table where the presenters' water glasses were placed and began helping himself to a drink from Dr Miller's glass. Alison Hammond immediately noticed the behaviour, exclaiming "Oh, he's thirsty!" to which Dr Miller responded apologetically, "He's thirsty, sorry everyone."
Dermot O'Leary added his observation, noting "He's absolutely caning that water, Dr Scott your pet is dehydrated!" Alison once again pointed out the apparent thirst, saying "He was so thirsty, bless him." What began as a simple observation quickly escalated into an impromptu hydration session, with the presenters passing their water glasses to the thirsty dog.
Viewer Reaction and Safety Concerns
While the presenters found humour in the situation, viewers watching at home expressed significant alarm. Many took to social media platform X, formerly Twitter, to voice their concerns about the apparent lack of proper water provision for the canine guest during the segment.
One viewer wrote alongside an angry emoji: "That poor dog is so thirsty and no bowl of water there after all those treats!" Another commented: "Mango was unbelievably thirsty!! That's pretty bad!" while a third questioned the professionalism of the segment, writing: "'Pet specialist'? No water available."
Several viewers specifically criticised the method of providing water, with one stating: "Just go and get it a bowl of water," and another agreeing: "Yes! A bowl, not a glass in the dogs mouth!!! Ffs." A fifth viewer suggested practical solutions were readily available: "I'm sure in one of those cupboards there's a bowl big enough for the dog to drink instead of Dermot and Alison letting him drink out of glasses."
Additional Pet Safety Questions Raised
The hydration concerns were compounded when viewers recalled that earlier in the same segment, Dr Miller had been feeding Mango rawhide treats. These long-lasting dental chews, made from the inner layer of animal hides, have been the subject of veterinary warnings due to potential safety risks.
According to veterinary organisations including Vets Now, rawhide treats can pose significant dangers including choking hazards, tooth fractures, and potentially fatal intestinal blockages. The organisation notes that these products are "produced by cleaning and processing animal hides, often treated with chemicals and preservatives that may harm dogs."
Viewers expressed further concern about this aspect of the segment, with one writing on social media: "Finding it quite disturbing to see the pet specialist letting the dog lick his mouth and even worse promoting rawhide as a treat. Its dangerous for dogs and can wrap around the stomach and intestine. Shame on you This Morning." Another added: "Dr Scott, an actual VET, promoting rawhide and proudly feeding it to his dog on TV - I'm so confused by this."
Previous On-Air Incidents with Mango
This is not the first time Dr Miller's dog Mango has caused unexpected moments during live television segments. Last year, the vet was left red-faced when Mango chewed through his lead live on air while Dr Miller was giving viewers advice about their pets. During that incident, the camera showed the spaniel walking around the studio with a short piece of lead hanging from his collar, prompting laughter from the presenters.
Dr Miller, who originally hails from Brisbane in Australia, adopted rescue dog Mango last year and announced his family's new addition on the show in July. At the time, he expressed his affection, saying "I am so in love it's insane," while presenter Dermot O'Leary commented: "That dog doesn't know he's born, he's going to have a lovely life. Look at him so cute."
The recent incident has sparked broader conversations about pet welfare during television appearances and the responsibilities of pet experts when demonstrating care techniques on live broadcasts. While the segment continued for approximately another minute with the presenters laughing as Mango finished additional glasses of water, the viewer response suggests serious concerns about appropriate pet hydration methods and treat safety during such demonstrations.
This Morning continues to air weekdays from 10am on ITV1 and ITVX, featuring regular segments with veterinary experts and pet care advice.
