Dog owners are being urged to take steps to protect their pets as the country continues to be gripped by freezing weather.
The North East saw snowfall on Tuesday morning, with two weather warnings in place. Now the RSPCA has put together advice on the best ways to look after pets when temperatures are low.
RSPCA inspectorate commissioner Dermot Murphy told the Liverpool Echo: “It’s really important we help our animal friends get through the chilly weather, and we’ve got lots of helpful advice and tips available for people to make sure their own pets, and local wildlife, are kept safe."
Read More: Hour-by-hour weather forecast as North East hit by snow with Met Office warnings in place
The experts say antifreeze and rock salt are commonly used at this time of year and can be poisonous to pets. It's important to keep any stored products out of their reach.
If you’re concerned your pet may have ingested anything they shouldn’t, you should speak to your vet immediately. You should also dry any pets who get wet or cold, with a towel and make sure they have plenty of warm bedding.
Here are some other RSPCA tips for dog owners this week:
- Some dogs may need a special coat or jumper to keep them warm when you’re out walking e.g. if they are sick or elderly. Make sure your dog can still behave normally, for example, go to the toilet easily and that it is a good and comfortable fit.
- When walking your dog in the dark, wear reflective clothing and think about reflective protection for your pet too.
- Keep your dog away from frozen ponds, lakes or rivers which can pose a danger, and make sure their paws don’t get impacted with snow.
Mr Murphy added: "We don’t advise keeping dogs outside in any weather. Meeting the needs of dogs when they’re kept outside is very hard, and more so in very low temperatures.
"We recommend bringing dogs indoors and if not possible ensuring their dog has permanent access to a clean, comfortable and dry sleeping area with a safe heat source so the temperature does not drop below 10C.”
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