Monty Don, who regularly shares tips to help people get the best from their outdoor spaces, has shifted his focus to dogs and what pet owners need to know about creating garden-friendly environments for their four-legged friends. With millions of people in the UK owning a dog, this expert advice could make a real difference to many people and how they spend time with their animals in the garden.
In a clip previously shared by BBC Gardeners' World Magazine on YouTube, he revealed that he has always had dogs alongside him in the garden, and has picked up a few lessons along the way. The key, according to him, is not to overcomplicate things. That said, there are some points probably worth being aware of.
This isn't the only helpful guidance he has offered. He has previously shared a tip to help people look after their roses.
Plants to avoid
Monty explained that he does not worry too much about dangerous plants. "As regards dangerous plants, that isn't something I worry about too much because, in my experience, and I've had lots of dogs, dogs don't go looking to munch on poisonous things any more than you and I do."
The one plant he keeps an eye on with a puppy is yew, or Taxus. "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."
He added: "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. So keep an eye out for that, but don't worry too much about the horror stories that you read online or people tell you."
Why throwing sticks can be dangerous
Monty also shared a firm rule. "The one thing though that I don't do anymore at all is don't throw sticks for dogs." He explained: "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."
While this guidance stems from Monty's personal experience, it is well worth bearing in mind. Numerous professionals actively caution against using sticks in this way. Although dogs tend to enjoy it, throwing a stick for them carries serious risks and can result in severe, potentially life-threatening injuries. Several veterinary organisations strongly discourage using sticks for a game of fetch.
Beyond the risk of serious injury, sticks can also cause painful splinters and cuts. Ingesting fragments of wood can block a dog's airway or cause dangerous obstructions in their stomach and intestines. On top of that, wood harbours dirt, bacteria and fungi that can trigger painful abscesses, severe neck infections or even sepsis.
For these reasons, experts strongly advise against allowing this to happen in your garden or while out walking with your dog. Should you notice any problems with your dog in the garden, seek guidance from your vet straight away.
