As our thoughts turn to hot sunny days, summer picnics and holidays in faraway places, Bayer Animal Health is asking us to spare a thought for our beloved pets and the impact of summer on their health, happiness and overall well being.

Bayer, makers of the dog worming tablet Drontal, has produced ten top tips to prevent cats and dogs from getting too "hot under the collar" as we approach summer...

1. Don't leave your pet in a parked car.

Every summer, animals left in cars suffer brain damage and die from heatstroke.

Remember dogs can only dispel heat by panting and through the pads on their feet.

2. Always provide your pet with access to shelter from the heat of the sun. Indoors or outdoors, make sure there is some shade and ensure they have plenty of water.

Bear in mind that elderly, very young, overweight and poorly pets will have a hard time regulating their body temperature, so make sure they stay cool.

3. Pets need exercise even when it's hot but extra care needs to be taken with older dogs and short-nosed dogs.

On very hot days, limit exercise to early morning or evening hours and keep the walks to a gentle pace.

Keep in mind that some road surfaces get very hot and can burn your pet's paws.

4. Fair-haired pets may require sunscreen on their noses and ear tips to prevent sunburn and skin cancer.

Ideally, keep your pet out of the sun between 10am and 3pm to prevent sunburn.

5. Keep your pet well groomed.

If it has extremely thick hair or lots of mats and tangles, the fur may trap too much heat and you may wish to consider clipping it.

6. Summer is often a time when people fertilise their lawns but beware, plant food, fertilizer and insecticides can be fatal if your pet ingests them.

Additionally, more than 700 plants (such as the foxglove or hibiscus) can cause harmful effects in animals.

7. Another summertime threat is fleas.

Avoid infestations with regular flea treatments, such as Advantage and Advocate.

8. Worming your pet is important all year round.

However, for one hookworm in particular, Uncinaria stenocephala, there is a sharp rise from July to September.

In heavily infested pups, it can have nasty results such as diarrhoea, anorexia and lethargy.

By worming every three months your pet will be protected.

9. During the hot weather, windows and doors are often left open which can lead to pets going missing.

Consider Tracer microchipping to ensure easy identification if this happens.

10. Make suitable arrangements for your pet when you go on holiday.

Home alone is not an option, so get a pet-sitter. Check if you have a reliable friend to act as carer or double check any kennel or cattery requirements regarding vaccine status.

Alternatively, if you want to take your pet with you on holiday, remember to prepare!

Your pet will need a rabies vaccination, worming (before you go and before you return to the UK), protection from exotic diseases (eg. Advantix spot-on solution), as well as microchipping (i.e Tracer).

Sabrina Stroud, from Bayer, added: "Summer is a time to relax, but pet owners must always be mindful of the impact of the heat, and their holiday plans, on their pet's wellbeing."