Warning to dog owners due to a sharp drop in temperatures in the UK

Senior weatherman at the Met Office Aidan McGivern said there were “pretty strong” signs that a surge of cold air would change the weather from this weekend.

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

He said: “Here’s what we know about next week – it’s very likely to be cold, colder than now.

“When you have cold air and we have some other things coming together — a low pressure area — that increases the chance of sleet and snow.”

Independent research by the Kennel Store has found that 5 of the UK’s favorite dog breeds are at high risk of hypothermia in temperatures below 7°C, while another 7 popular breeds are at moderate risk, including the nation’s favourite, the Labrador Retriever.

Dog breeds most at risk include:

1. Jack Russell terrier
2. Boxer
3. Border terrier
4. Miniature schnauzers
5. Hungarian Vizsla

A spokesman for the Kennel Store said: “The length of your dog’s coat and ears can determine how risky it is for it to be in cold temperatures.

“Short ears help prevent dogs from frostbite, and long, thick fur helps them stay warm in cold and snowy conditions.

“Be mindful of your dog’s health when temperatures drop to 7°C or below.

“For example, Jack Russell Terriers have short fur and long ears, which means they are at the greatest risk of sub-zero temperatures; at the same time, border collies have long fur, short ears and prefer cold climates, so they are better acclimated to cold weather.

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

These are their top tips for caring for dogs in cold temperatures.

Limit the time your dog is outside:

Dogs can suffer from frostbite, most often of the auricles. It’s best to keep dogs inside if possible when temperatures drop below 7°C, with short visits outside to help your pet acclimatise to the cold. This can be done every time your dog needs to go to the toilet

Dress your dog in warm clothes:

Sometimes thick fur isn’t enough to keep even the furriest dogs warm. Consider treating your dog to a heavy winter coat or a snug sweater. Cold temperatures can also damage dogs’ feet; protect their paws by putting them in dog-friendly boots.

Clean your dog’s paws after a walk:

During cold weather, rock salt will be used by local authorities to melt snow or ice to make sidewalks easier to pass. However, you should take care to wash your pet’s feet with warm water after walking the dog, as rock salt can damage the pads of the paws and can even be toxic to your dog if he tries to lick the substance off.