PET owners have been warned not to leave animals in uninsulated conservatories during cold weather with some areas of the UK expecting snow this week.

The Met Office says we can expect up to 10cm of the white to fall in the first fortnight of December.

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As the UK embraces even more chilly temperatures, pet owners may want to prepare their animals as well as themselves.

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) and the Met Office have warned that uninsulated conservatories pose significant risks to animal safety during cold weather.

It comes as a third of homeowners use their conservatories for their pets, according to a survey by Greater Manchester-based CI Group.

The BVA said: “When it’s cold for us, it’s cold for our pets, which is why it’s important to take extra precautions to keep them safe and warm.

“Make sure your dog’s bed is in a draft-free, warm place isolated from the floor of the house.

“Much like humans, our pets can also be vulnerable to colder weather and can even become ill from prolonged exposure to very cold temperatures.”

Meanwhile, the RSPCA urged owners to ensure their pets have a space that does not drop below 10C and to take extra care when keeping pets in conservatories.

Matt Forrest, CEO of Radcliffe-based The CI groupsaid: “Any uninsulated conservatory is a problem – they are too cold in the winter and too hot in the summer, causing homeowners and their pets a myriad of problems.”

When it comes to walking your dog in colder temperatures, we previously disclosed when it’s too chilly for walkies.

The Pet Health Club took to TikTok to share a handy chart showing the recommended temperatures to avoid, some of which pose a “serious risk” to animals if taken out into it.

From 15 degrees to 10 degrees Celsius, you can take any dog ​​out, as there is “minimal to no risk”.

“Enjoy exploring nature!” they added.

For large dogs, 7 degrees Celsius is also minimal, while it is a “low risk” for small or medium-sized dogs dogs.

“Small or thin-coated dogs may need a coat. Watch for chills or reluctance to walk,” they added.

At 4 degrees Celsius, it is considered “low risk” for large dogs, but “potentially unsafe” for small or medium-sized dogs.

“Short-haired, small and elderly dogs may be at risk. Limit walks and watch for signs of hypothermia,” they wrote.

Small, medium and large dogs are “potentially unsafe” if they are taken out in one degree Celsius, or minus one degree, but it increases to “high risk” if small or medium dogs are taken outside when it is minus four outside.

“Potentially life-threatening, especially for smaller breeds,” they said.

“And the risk is higher if it’s wet.”

At minus six degrees, the risk changes to “severe” for small dogs, but remains “very high” for medium-sized dogs and “potentially unsafe” for large ones.

It changes to “very high” risk for medium and large dogs at minus nine degrees, while it remains “difficult” for small dogs.

Anything below minus nine, and you should limit outside time to “quick toilet breaks only, especially for small and thin-coated dogs”.