A BRADFORD vet is warning pet owners about the dangers of pets ingesting antifreeze as the wintery weather worsens.

Laura Paterson, group clinical director at White Cross Vets, which has practices in Eccleshill and Guiseley said: "The number of cases of pets who have tragically ingested sweet-tasting antifreeze liquid and died from kidney failure as a result always spikes at this time of year,”

Ethylene glycol is the deadly ingredient in both anti-freeze and some screen washes, with both dogs and cats regularly getting poisoned after licking any spilt on the ground.

Laura added: “Unfortunately antifreeze and screen wash are very attractive to pets, as it has such a sweet taste. Ideally, manufacturers should add bittering agents to make it less appealing.

“Just one teaspoon is enough to kill a cat and a tablespoon will kill a dog. If an accidental spill occurs and a pet either drinks or walks through the antifreeze or screen wash and then licks their paws, it can make them very ill, and can even result in death.”

Laura is advising all pet owners to contact their vet straight away if there is any possibility of their pet having been poisoned as early treatment can often be effective.