A vet named Ben has issued an urgent message to pet owners planning a barbecue this weekend, warning of a hidden danger that could put pets' lives at risk.
Danger of Kebab Sticks
In a social media video, Ben said: "If you have a dog and you are having a barbecue, you need to be really careful about these wooden kebab sticks." He recalled a case from his early career as a vet when a cocker spaniel came in with a firm lump on its ribcage.
"This dog was only, like, one, and we took a sample of the lump. It came back as just with inflammatory cells," Ben said. An x-ray failed to find the cause, so the dog was referred for a CT scan, which revealed the horrifying truth.
"This spaniel had swallowed an entire wooden kebab stick, which had penetrated the wall of the stomach," Ben revealed. "And what the lump was was an inflammatory reaction around the tip of the kebab stick, which was skewering through the diaphragm."
Fortunately, the stick avoided major blood vessels and internal organs, and the dog recovered well after surgery.
Advice for Pet Owners
Ben urged owners to be cautious, especially with dogs like spaniels or Labradors that "would eat anything." The vet charity PDSA also offered tips for a safe barbecue.
First, secure the garden and check for dangerous plants. Provide a quiet space for pets to retreat if overwhelmed. Keep animals away from the barbecue and hot equipment, as they stay hot for a long time and smoke can harm lungs. Avoid giving pets human food; instead, offer a healthy chew or toy.
