A "serious threat" warning has been issued to UK dog owners as Met Office forecasts sparked double weather warnings.

People have been urged to keep warm and check in on family and friends who may be more vulnerable to cold weather with sub-zero temperatures, snow and ice hitting parts of the UK.

The Met Office has put a yellow weather warning on Monday and Tuesday for the North East, alongside other parts of the UK.

It warned that older people and those with pre-existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable during a cold snap, and stressed it could have a “serious impact” on people’s health.

Amid sub-zero temperatures, Emergency vet service, Vets Now, has warned how frost, fog, snow and high winds can affect pets.

Common issues emergency vets will treat include cats and dogs suffering from frostbite on paws, breathing difficulties from dogs who have short-noses, and pets injuring themselves due to icy and slippery surfaces or injuries on snow-covered hazards, such as rocks.

Vets Now head of telehealth, Dave Leicester, explains that “Heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures pose a serious threat to your pet.”

How to keep your pet safe

Mr Leicester advises ways to help you protect your pet and prevent unwanted illness or injury during the colder weather.

You should try and keep your pets inside, especially overnight when temperatures drop, otherwise they run the risk of getting frostbite or hypothermia.

“If your pet is showing signs of either of these, contact your vet immediately,” explains Mr Leicester.

However, temperatures indoors can also plummet, so if you’re out, try to make sure temperatures in your home can never fall below a reasonable level (around 20C).

Go on shorter walks

It’s also worth considering taking your dog on shorter, more frequent walks in order to protect them from weather-associated health risks, rather than long walks in the cold.

Watch out for antifreeze

Antifreeze poisoning is a major hazard during cold weather snaps, especially if it leaks from a car’s radiator or spills on the ground while being sprayed on frozen car windows.

If possible, remove ice from vehicles using an old-fashioned scraper, and keep containers of antifreeze locked away and clean up any spills quickly, “as even small amounts can be deadly,” Mr Leicester adds.

Research your pet's breed

Some pets, such as husky dogs and Persian cats, are more tolerant to colder weather than others.

Do your homework on your pet’s breed, as some dog breeds, including Dobermans, chihuahuas and great Danes, require a little extra protection in the cold.

Short-nosed pets are also more at risk from extreme temperatures due to inherited breathing difficulties.

Short-nosed dogs are also particularly at risk of suffering heat stroke if they exercise vigorously in freezing temperatures and then settle in a warm house.

Make sure your pet has access to water

Make sure you check your pet’s water bowl regularly and fill it up whenever it’s low. You should also be careful not to let your pet’s water bowl freeze over.

Be prepared for cold weather

If the weather forecasters predict an extreme cold snap or snow and blizzards, make sure you have a pet emergency plan in place.

“This includes stocking up on food and any prescription medication, knowing who to call in an emergency and how you might travel to the vet in an emergency,” Mr Leicester adds.