Don't throw sticks for your dogs - Vets tell owners

A top vet has told dog owners to stop throwing sticks for their pets after a rise in the number experiencing “horrific injuries”.

The President of the British Veterinary Association in Scotland gave the advice after a collie dog was badly injured when a 10cm wooden stick got stuck in her throat.

“Our colleagues in practice are seeing probably around one stick related injury a month, others in referral centres more than that,” said Sean Wensley, president of the British Veterinary association.

Mr Wensely also said dogs have been euthanised because of their injuries or “more commonly” died from a fatal infection caused by fragments of wood or bacteria on the stick.