PET owners are being warned about the dangers of Nerf guns after a number of small animals were injured.

Vets Now, which has a branch in Bournemouth, say they have treated cats and dogs for injuries linked to Nerf guns.

The group, which operates out of Lynwood Veterinary Practice, are calling on owners to make sure pets are out of harm’s way when children are playing with the guns, which shoot soft foam bullets and darts and were on the list of ‘must-have’ presents last Christmas.

Their warning comes in the wake of a study published in the BMJ, which revealed doctors have treated three people for eye injuries after they were shot with the toy guns by children.

Laura Playforth, Vets Now’s head of veterinary standards, said: “Pet owners, particularly those with children, should be aware of the potential dangers associated with these toys and keep them well out of the way of pets.

“These guns are powerful enough to cause nasty injuries, including loss of vision, in small animals while the bullets are colourful so can be appealing to inquisitive pets.

“If a foam gun bullet is swallowed it may cause a potentially fatal blockage.”

Vets Now has treated at least nine cats and dogs with Nerf gun-related injuries in the past year, ranging from choking to eye damage.