Pet owners complaining their dogs and cats are sniffling and sneezing as if they have flu has left vets inundated in the run up to Christmas.

A strain of "infectious laryngo tracheitis" has been found in dogs while "feline respiratory disease" has hit cats.

Although not fatal, many animals across West Cornwall have been affected and owners are being advised to give their poorly pets some extra love and care with the colder weather.

Jennifer Williamson, who runs practices in Redruth and Penryn, said: "The coughing and sneezing in cats is not unusual but with the dogs what we normally get is outbreaks of kennel cough. I've never actually seen dogs sneezing like this before. It's been going on for three weeks and doesn't seem to show any signs of lessening."

Owners are being advised that if their pooch does start to exhibit signs of a common cold, it should be given the same treatment a human would in the same circumstances.

"Keep them inside, keep them warm and give them plenty of fluids," said Mrs Williamson.

Over the last three weeks, Williamson's veterinary practice in Redruth has been receiving four or five calls a day from clients worried about their pets and some 100 dogs and 100 cats have been treated.

The symptoms can be spotted early on, with the telltale signs being if a pet goes off its food or drink for more than 24 hours. In this instance, a vet should be contacted straight away.