Dog owners are being urged not to throw sticks for their pets to fetch after an increase in “horrific injuries”.
Grace Webster, president of the British Veterinary Association in Scotland, told The Times: “Throwing sticks for your dog can be dangerous and lead to horrific injuries that can be very distressing for both you and your dog, such as causing cuts to their mouths and tongues or, as in this case, getting the stick lodged in their throat.”
The warning has been made after a collie called Maya got a 10cm stick wedged in her throat, puncturing her tongue and displacing her larynx.
Owners are being urged throw rubber toys or balls instead.