Urgent warning to dog owners over danger lurking around every corner in town centres which could kill pets instantly
DOG owners have been given an urgent warning about dangers lurking around all town centre corners which could instantly kill their pets.
The emergency advice comes from a pets charity which fears too many people don't know about the UK-wide risks.
Dogs face having their feet or leashes caught in moving escalator steps which could not only injure them but also drag them to their sudden deaths, animals organisation suggested.
Experts there advised owners: "Dogs cannot think about the consequences of their actions – but you can think for them."
And they highlighted how escalators across the country can be especially hazardous, whether in town centres or shopping malls.
Their hitlist of tips for keeping your dog safe include the instruction: "Carry your dog on escalators, as it is easy for their feet to become trapped, and appalling injuries may result."
Read More On Pets
Other essential advice about potential "accidents out and about" include taking extra care with dogs chasing sticks or rubber balls, as well as chewing on bones.
Blue Cross, based in Burford in Oxfordshire, also urged: "Protect balconies or windows as falls may cause multiple fractures or even kill."
And they also advised against shutting dogs in cars which can cause heat stroke while also cautioning about "areas of sparse hair" which could risk sunburn.
When back at home, they advised keeping any cleaning or gardening chemicals hidden away in "a safe place" as well as clearing away any cigarette butts or alcohol.
Most read in UK News
And they raised concerns about feeding pets bread, chocolate or certain mineral supplements - while also urging care if any cooking oils happen to spill in the kitchen.
The warnings come as a gardener advised which flowers you shouldn't plant this month amid fears they can prove toxic for dogs.
A first-time dog owner went public about the mistakes she made - while a pet expert revealed which breed tends to "get left behind".
Other potential hazards to dogs raised by experts include items inside cars, padding in puddles and soft toys.
Holiday-makers have also been put on alert about risks to their dogs at the seaside after a terrier only just survived a cliff fall in Dorset.
And a common plant was also revealed as possibly toxic to dogs.