Charities are urging people to keep their pets warm with proper shelter and dry bedding as temperatures drop. 

Wexford Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (WSPCA) spokesperon Barbara Bent has said cold weather is particularly dangerous for dogs who spend their day outdoors.

"The most vulnerable dog outside at the moment is the dog that's chained, the dog that cannot run around and warm itself up, the dog that's housed in a leaking kennel with a wet bed," she said.

"It is essential that animals have proper shelter and a dry bed."

Weather warnings

This warning comes as temperatures are set to drop and snow is expected across the country.

An orange snow warning is in place in Clare, Cork, Limerick, Tipperary, Galway and Waterford - with travellers warned to take particular care while driving.

A yellow warning is also in place for a majority of counties from 9pm until midday tomorrow.

Additional reporting by Molly Cantwell. 

Main image: Woman walks her pets in cold weather. Image: Francis Dean/Alamy