CAT and dog owners have been warned their pets may become ill if they lick rock salt being used on roads to deal with the current cold snap.

Reports currently circulating on social media claims that grit used to treat roads during cold weather contains anti-freeze or other chemicals which are lethal to pets.

Cheshire West and Chester Council has said this is a ‘myth’, although it has warned the pets could become ill.

Cllr Karen Shore, CWAC’s cabinet member for environment, said: “The grit used on Cheshire West and Chester’s roads is just pure rock salt, with no chemical de-icer additives.

"It is sourced locally from the Winsford Rock Salt Mine.

“However, rock salt (sodium chloride) can make dogs and cats ill, if they lick it from their paws or fur.

"Wipe your pet’s feet and the fur on his/her legs and tummy after a walk or time outdoors.

“The council has a duty to balance the environmental impact of using rock salt and the need to maintain a safe highways network during the cold winter months.

Our Highways service is working hard to keep everyone safe.”

With Monday expected to be the coldest night since winter 2012/13, motorists are advised to drive carefully and residents are asked to check in on vulnerable neighbours.

Car owners are advised to keep anti-freeze used in their vehicles away from pets. Anti-freeze has a mildly sweet flavour that is interesting and tasty to domestic dogs.

Dogs that live primarily or exclusively outdoors, and those that are permitted to roam freely about the neighbourhood, have an increased risk of coming into contact with anti-freeze.