Warning to dog owners as UK temperatures set to drop

Senior presenter at the Met Office, Aidan McGivern said there were “pretty strong” signs that a burst of cold air would bring changes to the weather from this weekend.

He added that as a result there was an “increased chance” of some snow in the next two weeks.

He said: “Here's what we do know about next week - it is very likely to be cold, colder than it is now.

"When you've got that cold air in place, and we've got some other things coming together - the position of low pressures - that does increase the chance of some sleet and snow."

Independent research from Kennel Store has found that five of the UK’s favourite dog breeds are at high risk of hypothermia from temperatures below 7C, with a further seven popular breeds at medium risk, including the nation’s favourite, Labrador Retriever.

READ MORE: Met Office issues cold weather alert for Norfolk next week

Dog breeds most at risk are Jack Russell Terrier, Boxer, Border Terrier, Miniature Schnauzer and Hungarian Vizsla.

A Kennel Store spokesman said: “Your dog’s fur and ear length can determine how risky it is for them to be in cold temperatures.

"Short ears help to prevent dogs from getting frostbite and long, thick fur coats help them stay warm in cold and snowy conditions.

"Be cautious of your dog’s health when temperatures hit 7C or below.

READ MORE: 'Increasing risk' of snow as arctic air spreads across UK

“For example, a Jack Russel Terrier has short fur and long ears, meaning they are at the highest risk of below zero temperatures; meanwhile, a Border Collie has long fur, short ears and prefers cold climates so they will be more acclimated to colder weather.

“However, as a general warning, all dogs are at high risk of hypothermia when temperatures hit below -6C.”

These are their top tips for looking after dogs in cold temperatures.

Limit your dog’s time outside:

Dogs can suffer from frostbite, most often on their earflaps. It is best to keep dogs inside when possible when temperatures hit below 7C, with short visits outside to help your pet acclimate to the freezing temperatures. This can be done whenever your dog needs to use the toilet

Bundle your dog in warm clothes:

Sometimes a thick coat is not enough to keep even the furriest of dogs warm. Consider treating your dog to a sturdy winter coat or a fitted sweater. Freezing temperatures can also do damage to dogs’ feet; protect their paws by equipping them with dog-friendly boots.

Clean your dog’s feet after a walk:

During cold weather, rock salt will be utilised by local authorities to melt snow or ice to make sidewalks easier to traverse. However, after walking your dog, you should take care to clean your pet’s feet with warm water, as rock salt can damage paw pads, and can even be toxic to your dog if they try to lick the substance.