Monty Don issued key advice to dog owners (stock image) (Image: Getty)
Lots of people look for tips when it comes to gardening, and one person who knows what they’re talking about is Monty Don, as he offers all sorts of advice to help people make the most of their outdoor spaces. However, previously, he turned his attention to dogs and what people need to know about pets and gardens.
It turns out, there are some key things people should pay attention to that could help to make their gardens more friendly to animals. If you’re one of the over 15 million people in the UK who owns a dog, it’s worth paying attention to, as it could make a big difference to your pets and how you interect with them while you’re gardening.
This isn’t the only useful guidance Monty Don has shared either. Previously, he offered a tip to help keep slugs away from plants too.
In a clip previously shared by BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine on YouTube, he admitted he’s always had dogs with him in the garden, and there are a few things he’s learnt. The key, according to him, is not to overthink it.
However, there are some things probably worth knowing. He shared two tips that people should be aware of.
Are there plants you should avoid?
He said: “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 I would keep an eye on with a puppy is yew, 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.
“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.”
What else is dangerous?
When it comes to gardens, however, there is something he suggested people should avoid doing. He added: “The one thing though that I don’t do anymore at all is don’t throw 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.”
Of course, this is advice based on Monty’s personal experience, but it’s still guidance worth knowing. Little you may know, many professionals actually advise against using the item.
While dogs can like it, throwing a stick for them can be very dangerous and can cause severe and, in some cases, life-threatening injuries. Some veterinary organisations strongly advise against using sticks for a game of fetch for this reason.
There’s more than one issue with it too. As well as having the potential to cause serious injuries, it can also cause splinters and cuts.
Swallowing pieces of wood can block a dog’s airway or obstruct their stomach and intestines. Not to mention, wood carries dirt, bacteria and fungi that can lead to painful abscesses, deep neck infections or sepsis.
Therefore, it’s highly advised people don’t do this in their gardens or when out and about with their dogs. If you encounter any issue in the garden with your dog, contact a vet for further advice.