<div><main data-testid="main-content" id="main-content"><article><header></header><div data-component="image-block"><figure><p><span><picture><source srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/240/cpsprodpb/D088/production/_132348335_original-1.jpg.webp 240w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/320/cpsprodpb/D088/production/_132348335_original-1.jpg.webp 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/D088/production/_132348335_original-1.jpg.webp 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/624/cpsprodpb/D088/production/_132348335_original-1.jpg.webp 624w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/D088/production/_132348335_original-1.jpg.webp 800w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/D088/production/_132348335_original-1.jpg.webp 976w" type="image/webp"></source><img alt="Geo" height="549" loading="eager" src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/D088/production/_132348335_original-1.jpg" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/240/cpsprodpb/D088/production/_132348335_original-1.jpg 240w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/320/cpsprodpb/D088/production/_132348335_original-1.jpg 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/D088/production/_132348335_original-1.jpg 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/624/cpsprodpb/D088/production/_132348335_original-1.jpg 624w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/D088/production/_132348335_original-1.jpg 800w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/D088/production/_132348335_original-1.jpg 976w" width="976"></img></picture></span><span role="text"><span>Image source, </span>Hadfieldstew/ BBC Weather Watchers</span></p><figcaption><span>Image caption, </span><p>Border collie Geo watches people sledging in Hadfield, Derbyshire</p></figcaption></figure></div><div data-component="text-block"><p><b>As the UK is blasted by Artic winds, many of us will be opting for our thickest coats when we venture outside. But what about our pets?</b></p></div><div data-component="text-block"><p>Here are some tips for looking after your furry friends during this cold spell. </p></div><p data-component="subheadline-block"><h2 id="How-do-I-keep-my-pet-warm-indoors" tabindex="-1"><span role="text">How do I keep my pet warm indoors?</span></h2></p><div data-component="text-block"><p>Like humans, animals can be at risk of hypothermia if they become too cold.</p></div><div data-component="text-block"><p>Veterinary charity PDSA advises giving dogs and cats extra blankets for their beds over the winter months. Raised beds can keep older dogs away from draughts, while cats may like high-up dens.</p></div><div data-component="text-block"><p>The charity also recommends extra playtime for pets to make sure they keep active if they are spending less time outside. Indoor toys can help.</p></div><p data-component="subheadline-block"><h2 id="Should-I-still-walk-my-dog-" tabindex="-1"><span role="text">Should I still walk my dog? </span></h2></p><div data-component="image-block"><figure><p><span><span></span></span><span role="text"><span>Image source, </span>Donna/ BBC Weather Watchers</span></p><figcaption><span>Image caption, </span><p>Max in Cullybackey, County Antrim, is a fan of the snow, his owner says</p></figcaption></figure></div><div data-component="text-block"><p>Dogs still need walks during cold weather. Usually, their fur will keep them warm.</p></div><div data-component="text-block"><p>But some dogs, particularly those with shorter fur, will need extra help staying warm on their walkies. </p></div><div data-component="text-block"><p> "[You should consider a coat] if you're dog is very young, very old, or if they're very underweight for a medical reason," PDSA vet Dr Catherine Burke tells BBC News. </p></div><div data-component="text-block"><p>"Some dog breeds are naturally more lean as well."</p></div><div data-component="text-block"><p>She adds that coats and jumpers should should be fitted comfortably, so they can move freely.</p></div><div data-component="text-block"><p>The RSPCA advises keeping dogs away from iced over ponds and lakes - which could break under a dog's weight. </p></div><div data-component="text-block"><p>It also warns owners to wash their paws thoroughly after walking in areas that may have been gritted with rock salt, which can be poisonous to pets. </p></div><div data-component="image-block"><figure><p><span><span></span></span><span role="text"><span>Image source, </span>Jean's Jewels/BBC Weather Watchers</span></p><figcaption><span>Image caption, </span><p>Ashton in Wigan wears a snazzy coat on a walk</p></figcaption></figure></div><div data-component="image-block"><figure><p><span><span></span></span><span role="text"><span>Image source, </span>Cat_87/ BBC Weather Watchers </span></p><figcaption><span>Image caption, </span><p>Nellie walks in the snow, also in Wigan</p></figcaption></figure></div><p data-component="subheadline-block"><h2 id="What-about-my-rabbit-and-guinea-pig-" tabindex="-1"><span role="text">What about my rabbit and guinea pig? </span></h2></p><div data-component="text-block"><p>Smaller pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs and ferrets can also feel the cold. </p></div><div data-component="text-block"><p>The PDSA says a sudden drop in temperatures can be a shock to the system for the animals, and advises moving them if they live in hutches outside. </p></div><div data-component="text-block"><p>Dr Burke says: "A shed or car-free garage is ideal for protecting them from the draught, rain or snow. A cooler room is better . </p></div><div data-component="text-block"><p>"If you don't have that, maybe a room where you can turn the radiators off where it's a bit cooler - not a big jump from the outdoor to indoor temperature."</p></div><div data-component="text-block"><p>If there is no other option, the charity advises placing a blanket or piece of carpet over their outside living quarters.</p></div><p data-component="subheadline-block"><h2 id="Should-I-keep-my-cat-inside" tabindex="-1"><span role="text">Should I keep my cat inside?</span></h2></p><div data-component="image-block"><figure><p><span><span></span></span><span role="text"><span>Image source, </span>Angela/ BBC Weather Watchers</span></p><figcaption><span>Image caption, </span><p>A cat looks out the window to a snowy Bridgend, Aberdeenshire</p></figcaption></figure></div><div data-component="text-block"><p>Our feline furry friends love to roam the outdoors, but ideally they should stay inside overnight during cold weather. </p></div><div data-component="text-block"><p>But if your pet is determined to explore the weather despite the snow and cold, the PDSA advises you ensure they can get back inside your home through a cat flap, or have warm shelter they can go to. </p></div><div data-component="text-block"><p>During the day, cats should be given the choice to go out if they're used to going outside. </p></div></article></main></div>