Monty Don has warned dog owners against throwing sticks for their pets, after his own dog suffered a serious injury. In a clip shared by BBC Gardeners' World Magazine on YouTube, the gardening expert said he no longer throws sticks for dogs.
"Dogs love it, and nine times of out 10 there's no harm whatsoever, but I had a dog I threw a stick for, it went and got it, and the stick pierced the back of its mouth and came out through its neck. Luckily it survived, but that was not good," he said.
What about plants?
Don also offered advice on garden plants, saying he does not worry too much about poisonous plants because dogs do not go looking for them. However, he singled out yew (Taxus) as one to watch with puppies.
"If you see a puppy chewing some yew, and that's often happened to me, don't panic. Just take it out of its mouth. The chances are the worst that will happen is it might make it sick but, if it eats a lot, well then it can do more damage," he explained.
Why sticks are dangerous
With more than 15 million dog owners in the UK, the advice could be relevant to many households. While many dogs enjoy chasing sticks, veterinary organisations advise against using them for fetch, as they can cause severe, and in some cases life-threatening, injuries.
Sticks can cause splinters and cuts, and swallowing pieces of wood can block a dog's airway or obstruct the stomach and intestines. Wood may also carry dirt, bacteria and fungi that can lead to painful abscesses, deep neck infections or sepsis.
Dog owners are advised to avoid throwing sticks in gardens or when out with their pets. If a dog suffers an injury in the garden, contact a vet for further advice.
