Monty Don returned to BBC’s Gardeners’ World with a timely warning for dog owners. As spring approaches, the celebrated horticulturist highlighted the season’s early produce by harvesting rhubarb from his garden—a plant he has tended for 36 years. While demonstrating the correct technique to harvest rhubarb by pulling rather than cutting the stems, Monty issued an important safety message: avoid letting dogs near the plant’s leaves.
“Of course, you don’t eat the leaves,” Monty explained, “and in fact, rhubarb leaves are poisonous for dogs. Not that I’ve ever known a dog want to eat a rhubarb leaf, but if you find your dog eating it, stop it immediately.”
During the segment, Monty’s golden retriever, Ned, made a brief appearance, calmly resting nearby as the presenter positioned a basket of rhubarb close by.
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Experts confirm Monty’s warning. According to veterinary sources, rhubarb leaves contain soluble oxalate crystals, which pose serious health risks to dogs. These crystals can bind with calcium in the body, leading to calcium depletion, and may also cause kidney damage or even kidney failure. Symptoms of rhubarb leaf poisoning in dogs include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain. More severe signs can involve tremors, weakness, bloody urine, and renal failure.
Monty’s caution comes shortly after he shared a heartfelt update about life with Ned on Instagram. In a lighthearted video, he showed Ned holding a ball in his mouth, refusing to let go—a moment Monty described as “tragic” but clearly bringing joy to both dog and owner. Fans responded with delight and affection for the pair.
Monty Don’s safety advice serves as an important reminder for dog owners to monitor their pets closely around potentially harmful plants, especially during the gardening season.