Dogs Trust warns UK pet owners about frozen water risks.

Dogs Trust has issued a 'cold snap' warning as the Met Office forecast snow and ice, advising owners to keep dogs away from frozen lakes and ponds. The charity said ice can fail to support a dog's weight and warned people not to enter cold water after a pet.

Dogs Trust has issued a 'cold snap' warning this week as the Met Office forecast snow and ice across parts of the UK. The charity highlighted that frozen lakes, ponds and waterways may look solid but are often not strong enough to support a dog's weight. The article notes the UK has an estimated 10.6 million pet dogs and that Dogs Trust cares for over 11,000 dogs each year. Dogs Trust emphasised risks to both dogs and people if ice gives way. Key points: - The Met Office issued weather warnings for snow and ice across parts of the UK. - Dogs Trust issued a 'cold snap' warning and urged owners to keep dogs away from frozen bodies of water. - The charity said many frozen surfaces are not strong enough to support a dog's weight and that dogs can be put into serious danger if they fall through. - Dogs Trust warned that people should not jump into cold water after a dog, noting that cold water shock can be dangerous and that emergency services will prioritise rescuing a person before an animal. - The charity reported that owners were told to call 999 in an emergency involving a dog in the water. Summary: Dogs Trust's warning highlights an increased risk to dogs and to people in areas where surfaces are frozen. The current situation includes Met Office snow and ice alerts and the charity's advisory about frozen water. Undetermined at this time.