Urgent warning issued to Sheffield pet owners in the freezing temperatures

Roads and pavements across the region are being gritted amid the snow and ice this winter to make them safer for cars and pedestrians.

But even a small amount can be very dangerous to pets such as dogs and cats if they lick it from their paws or furs.

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Mayflower Animal Sanctuary has reminded owners to make sure they wash their animals’ paws to remove any traces of salt after walking in the cold.

In a message shared on Facebook, it encourages readers to ‘be more like Bert’, who it says ‘always washes his paws after his walks while it is so cold’.

"Bert knows it is cold outside and the grit lorry has been,” it adds.

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"He also knows, if he licks his paws after his walk, he could become very poorly if he ingests salt left by the grit lorry.”

The RSPCA advises owners that even a small amount of pure salt can be very dangerous to pets, causing thirst, vomiting and lethargy, and in severe cases convulsions and kidney damage.

If a pet is showing any signs of discomfort after possible exposure to rock salt, it says, you should use pet-safe shampoo and warm water to wash the affected area before drying the fur completely with a towel.

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Any animal suspected of ingesting rock salt should be assessed by a vet immediately, the RSPCA adds, and owners should never attempt to induce vomiting.