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Pet owners should take care during cold snap

Published: 06 February 2012

As Britain experiences its coldest conditions for months, pet owners should take precautions to keep their animals safe.

The PDSA (People's Dispensary for Sick Animals) warns that pets are at high risk of developing hypothermia at this time of the year.

Just a few minutes in freezing temperatures can be dangerous to animals.

As well as making sure their pet insurance is up to date, there are a number of steps that pet-owners can take to keep their animals healthy.

Pets should always have access to a warm shelter, particularly if they are too old, young or frail to regulate their temperatures well.

Cats should be kept indoors on cold nights and dogs with thin fur should wear a warm dog-coat when taken out for walks.

Smaller pets such as rabbits and guinea pigs should have plenty of warm bedding, as well as space to exercise.

If a pet does exhibit the symptoms of hypothermia – cold hands and feet, irregular heart rate and breathing – it is important to act quickly.

Owners should raise the animal's temperature gradually using a hair dryer on a low setting or a hot water bottle, and then seek medical advice.

The Met Office has currently issued a yellow warning alert for severe weather, advising people to be aware of possible disruptions caused by low temperatures.