Hot summers and noisy fireworks: staying safe all year

In summer

• Never leave a pet in a parked car — even with a window open, a car heats up like an oven within minutes.
• The pavement test: put the back of your hand on the asphalt for 5 seconds. If it's too hot for you, it will burn your dog's paws — walk early in the morning or in the cool evening.
• Always provide shade and fresh water.
• Flat-faced dogs (like pugs and bulldogs) and cats (like Persians) struggle more to breathe in the heat, so take extra care.
• Putting out a bowl of water for street animals is a great kindness.

Signs of heatstroke

Heavy panting, lots of drooling, weakness, wobbling and vomiting can be signs of heatstroke. Move the animal to a cool, shady spot at once, pour cool (not ice-cold) water over it, offer water to drink and get to a vet without delay.

Firework nights

• Animals' ears are much more sensitive than ours, and bangs frighten them badly.
• Keep your pet indoors, close the windows and curtains, and play some soft music or the TV.
• Prepare a quiet, safe hiding place — and if it hides, don't pull it out.
• Never punish a pet for being scared.
• Frightened animals can run off and get lost, so make sure it wears a tag and its microchip is registered.

In winter

In cold weather, street cats may crawl into parked car engines to keep warm. Knocking on the bonnet a few times before starting the car gives any hidden cat a chance to escape.