As the cold snap plummets temperatures as low as -11 degrees Celsius in England, PDSA vets have given advice to pet owners on spotting hypothermia in their furry friends.
Symptoms such as shivering, drowsiness, pale gums and the loss of consciousness have all been named as potential symptoms of hypothermia.
PDSA vet nurse Nina Downing said: "Hypothermia is when a pet’s body temperature drops dangerously low.
<hr>
Read more: Storm Isha Met Office yellow warning for Worcestershire
<hr>
"It can be very serious and, if not treated quickly, it can cause their body to shut down, which is fatal."
She added: "First aid is vital and can mean the difference between life and death.
"But even if your pet seems to recover, it’s important to contact your vet and get your pet properly checked over, in case of any long-term damage.
"It’s important for pet owners to know the symptoms of hypothermia, and to know what to do if they spot them, but prevention is also key.”
Preventive measures against hypothermia include ensuring pets have a warm, draught-free bed in the house, never leaving animals locked outdoors, and making sure they always have access to shelter and warmth.
Pets with a predisposition to experiencing cold, such as the very young, elderly, underweight or sickly should be given special attention, as high-risk pets require short bursts of outdoor time, close supervision and extra bedding.
Despite the temperature drops, maintaining the physical and mental health of dogs is critical and daily walks should not be overlooked.
The PDSA advises shorter, more frequent walks, to avoid pets from being outdoors for too long,
The option of wearing a coat is also preferable, particularly if your dog has thin fur.
Should dogs get wet in this weather, they should be dried off as soon as possible.
The PDSA says that dogs should be kept on leads near frozen ponds, lakes and rivers to avoid potentially fatal falls.
Snow can build up and form painful clumps on the fur between dogs toes, the PSDA has warned.
For more information or to follow these comprehensive guidelines, Worcestershire pet owners are advised to consult the PDSA vets' advice on pdsa.org.uk/hypothermia.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here