Dog owners have been told to keep their pets inside (Image: Getty)
Pet owners in England are being urged to keep their dogs indoors after weather forecasts predict a plunge into sub-zero temperatures over several days.
Weather experts at WX Charts have predicted that from Saturday, December 21 to Monday, December 23, could heavily blanket parts of the north of England and the Midlands.
The has warnes that all dog breeds are at risk in temperatures below -6C, which can lead to hypothermia and frostbite.
:
The animal welfare charity advises: “If you have an elderly or sickly dog, buy a special coat or jumper to keep them warm.”
“Stay safe when walking your dog in the dark. Wear reflective clothing and think about a reflective collar or light for your dog’s collar. Keep your dogs away from ponds and lakes that are iced over thin ice may break under a dog’s weight.”
“If it’s snowing outside, watch out for your dogs’ paws becoming compacted with snow, which is uncomfortable for them.
“Be aware that antifreeze and rock salt can be poisonous to pets. Wash their paws thoroughly after walking your dog in areas that may have been gritted with rock salt.”
RSPCA pet welfare expert Dr Sam Gaines emphasises the importance of caring for animals during the winter, stating: “It’s really important we help our animal friends during the colder weather. We’re encouraging people to join the rescue to help animals so we’re sharing our helpful advice and tips available for people to make sure their animals, and local wildlife, are kept safe,” reports .
The charity also warns about the dangers of Christmas food – as several festive favourites are actually poisonous to dogs.
It added: “Festive food is delicious, but much of it is highly toxic and dangerous to our pets. Avoid giving your cats, dogs or small furries (such as rabbits and guinea pigs) these foods as they can make them unwell: Chocolate, Mince pies, Christmas pudding, Onion gravy, Alcohol, Meat on the bone.
“Bones from carcasses are a dangerous choking hazard and can pose a risk of internal blockages and cause intestinal perforations.”