The charity which has 47 PetAid hospitals UK-wide, is warning owners that despite their pets' lovely fur coats, our faithful companions are not immune to the cold weather, and can easily develop hypothermia and frostbite. And sometimes, frostbite can take hold in some rather embarrassing places.

Yes. It's a fact. If dogs in particular lie down in the snow, ice, or even a cold patio floor for too long, the outcome could be pretty eye-watering, leaving vets with the difficult job of 'thawing out' a pet's nether regions, and weeks of uncomfortable, painful and embarrassing treatment for the pet.

It's easy for us to wrap up warm and add on layers to keep us snug. But it's not that simple for our pets, which is why PDSA has issued its top winter pet care tips to arm pet owners with vital information to keep pets safe, healthy and warm.

As well as frostbite, cold weather also brings with it the threat of hypothermia (low body temperature) and it's vital that pet owners know the signs of this potentially fatal condition. Hypothermia in pets can take hold in a matter of minutes, and failure to recognise the symptoms can lead to death.

Telltale signs include:

• Excess shivering: This can actually disappear if your pet is severely hypothermic.
• Confusion: Your pet may become disorientated and lethargic.
• A slow heart rate.
• Your pet's breathing will become slow.
• Cold paws and ears.

Elaine Pendlebury, PDSA Senior Veterinary Surgeon, says: "If you think your pet is in danger from frostbite or hypothermia, take them into warm, but not hot, surroundings as it can be harmful to warm them up too quickly. If your pet is wet, dry them immediately and call your vet for advice. We can't stress enough the dangers of cold weather to pets, so don't ignore the signs and don't take any chances.

"I can remember some years ago treating a small whippet that had been lying down on its owner's freezing cold patio floor for some time. The owner didn't realise what had happened to the dog's underside until it was too late. The dog had severe frostbite and it had to have major surgery including skin grafts to repair the frostbitten areas."

Hypothermia, which can see a pet's temperature plummet to dangerous levels, is more common when a dog is wet, and it is often small breeds, puppies and older dogs that are more likely to suffer. Whippets, greyhounds and other dogs with low body fat or thin coats are also in the high risk category.

Frostbite, which develops through prolonged contact with cold surfaces, can affect a pet's ears, paws, tail, the scrotum and mammary glands. Affected skin will at first appear white and will be itchy and painful. In severe cases the skin will harden and become a deep purple colour with blood filled blisters. Owners should check their pet over regularly as a pet's fur can hide frostbite damage.

Here are PDSA's top tips to keep your pets safe and warm in the winter:

• Don't take dogs for walks in the freezing cold and rain: Wait to see if the weather improves. If you must go out, then dry your dog off with a towel or a warm hair-dryer (held at a safe distance from the pet's skin) immediately afterwards.
• Never leave a pet in the car: Just a few minutes can lead to hypothermia.
• Always walk dogs on a lead: Preferably during daylight to prevent them from slipping on any ice, which can result in torn ligaments and broken bones.
• Exercise indoors: Dogs and cats still need exercise, so it's a good time to play lots of indoor games and activities using your pet's favourite toys.
• Invest in booties and a thick dog coat for walkies: Fleece or wool will provide insulation and the coat should be thick enough to prevent water from getting in.
• Clip the hairs between your dog's toes: This area often traps snow which can lead to ice balls and frostbite. Always check your pet's paws after a walk.
• Clean and dry the pads on your pet's paws: Salt and grit are often used on the roads during winter and can cause cracks and cuts to paws.

Small furries, such as rabbits and hamsters, must also be taken into consideration, as they often require special care during the winter. Their small bodies are more susceptible to changes in temperature, so it's best to bring them inside, or put their hutch in a car-free garage. Hutches and cages should contain warm bedding, and make sure there is lots of ventilation.