Warning to pet-owners over walking your dog in the snow

Before you take your dog out on a walk in the snow it's important to be aware of what you're getting yourself - and more importantly your pet - into.

With a polar vortex 'snow bomb' continuing to batter the UK, the Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for ice and snow until Thursday (18 January).

Met Office forecaster Craig Snell has warned of a 'persistent band of snow' this morning, expecting to last over three to six hours across Scotland, Northern Ireland and parts of northern England and Wales.

"In the early hours of the morning we’re looking at temperatures getting down to -12C in a few spots, Tuesday night possibly down to -15C," he said.

"So certainly a very cold spell into Wednesday."

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Now, if you're just a loving pet-owner who wants to take their dog out on a walk, there's 10 things you need to know beforehand.

The vet nurses at Avenues Veterinary Centre in Glasgow have warned that there are some precautions you should take before bracing yourself - and your pooch - for the cold.

Any temperature below -4 degrees Celsius is considered dangerous for dogs of all shapes and sizes.

But if it's not that cold then be sure to keep note of the following:

1) Keep your dog warm with dog sweaters, jackets, boots, or socks. But be sure to keep an eye on your pet so it doesn't overheat.

2) Mix up your dog's routine and get them walking in between lampposts, for example, to keep them warm.

3) Shorter walks - no more than 15 to 20 minutes - is recommended when it's cold outside.

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4) Keep an eye on your pet if it starts to shiver and develop hard skin, because dogs can get frostbite too.

5) If it really is freezing, keep playing with them indoors to help them stay on top of daily exercise.

6) Don't leave the dog outside when you go shopping like you usually do without a warm retreat.

7) By keeping your dog’s toe hair clipped, it prevents ice from getting stuck in their fur making it painful/difficult to walk.

8) A simple one - walk your dog in the day when it is a bit warmer.

9) Don't let them lick or eat the ice and snow because it can contain toxic chemicals, which can be fatal for your pet if ingested in certain amounts.

10) Wipe your pet’s legs, paws, and stomach after a walk - this will:

• Remove harmful chemicals before they have chance to lick them
• Remove grit and rain/ice water that can irritate them
• Help to minimise the risk of cracked paws
• Warm your dog up a bit if you use warm water