Urgent warning issued to Brits with pets as parts of UK hit with snow

It's time to bust out the winter coat, wooly hat and chunky scarf once again as the weather is getting chillier and chillier the closer we get to Christmas.

In fact, it's so cold that the Met Office has now announced a 'yellow warning' for parts of the country with one areas forecasted to see up to 20cm of snow on higher ground.

Speaking last week, Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Rebekah Hicks said: "A notable early winter cold spell will arrive across the north from Sunday and will likely reach all parts of the UK by midweek.

It's about to get a whole lot chillier in the UK... (Christopher Furlong / Staff / Getty Images)

"Temperatures will drop as a northerly airflow develops, bringing in colder Arctic air."

She continued: "This introduces the possibility of snow, initially over high ground in the north from Sunday, with gusty winds also a potential hazard.

"As the cold air spreads south, wintry weather is possible more widely, and a snow and ice warning has already been issued for parts of Scotland and northern England for early next week."

And now, an urgent warning has been issued to Brits with pets following these absolutely chapping freezing spells.

Anyone who drives will know all too well the faff of scraping the frost off your car windows in the morning with many using de-icing products like antifreeze to help speed along the process.

However, antifreeze can prove extremely dangerous for your four-legged friend as it contains ethylene glycol which is a highly toxic substance that can cause severe illness or even death in animals if ingested.

Pet owners have been warned over using antifreeze this winter (SOPA Images / Contributor / Getty Images)

Dogs Trust warns that the chemical can be tempting for animals to drink if left in accessible areas or if it spills onto driveways and roads as it has a sweet taste with even a small amount being potentially deadly.

Antifreeze can cause acute, irreversible kidney failure as well as neurological issues in your pooch.

While symptoms may not appear immediately, early warning signs can include; vomiting, lethargy, unsteadiness, increased thirst and urination, rapid breathing and muscle twitching.

Charlie Dobson, Senior Veterinary Surgeon at Dogs Trust, says: "Antifreeze is extremely dangerous for dogs, and other pets, because even a small amount can lead to serious, often fatal, health issues. Unfortunately, because it has a sweet taste it can be particularly enticing to pets.

"The best way to protect your dog is to keep all antifreeze and de-icing products securely stored, avoid using them around your dog, and seek veterinary care immediately if you suspect they’ve ingested any."