Pet owners are asked to keep a close eye on their furry friends today as Kent is hit by a heatwave.

There were 280 calls made to the RSPCA in the county last year about animals suffering from heat exposure.

The charity says about 90% of calls relate to dogs in hot cars.

With temperatures potentially hitting 39C today, a Broadstairs-based veterinary nurse, Katie Mackintosh has some tips to help keep your pets safe and comfortable in the heat.

1.Keep them cool

If you're feeling warm, chances are your pets are too.

It is ideal to bring pets indoors on hot days or at least keep them in the shade.

Short-nosed or flat-faced dogs breeds are more susceptible to heat stroke as they find it harder to breathe and pant.

2. Little ones need care too

Small pets, such as rabbits, guinea pigs and birds are particularly susceptible to heat.

Please bring these animals indoors during hot weather.

You could let them out into a bathroom as they will benefit from the cool tiles.

Or alternatively, you can drape their cage with wet towels and put an ice pack in their cage.

Make sure enclosures are out of direct sunlight as the shade moves throughout the day.

3. Plenty of water

Make sure you give you keep animals' water containers topped up.

Put them in the shade and add some ice every so often to keep it cool.

4. Take a dip

If your pet likes water, you could set up a mini paddling pool for them in the garden to help regulate their body temperature.

5. Go for a walk later this evening

Walking your dog when the ground is too hot can cause serious damage to their paws.

So it is best if you wait until later this evening to go out with your pooch.

If you are unsure if it is cool enough, press your hand to the pavement for five seconds. If it is too hot for your hand, it is too hot for your dog's paws.

You could also take your pet to a beach, creek or river to let them have a paddle.

6. Keep them comfortable

If your pet seems to be in discomfort, try wetting their feet and misting water onto their face.

This is an option for dogs, cats, ferrets, poultry and caged birds as many animals control their inner temperature through their feet.

8. Animals in hot cars

Never leave your pet in the car in warm weather.

If you see an animal locked in a hot car, immediately phone police on 000.

9. Don't shave double coated dogs

You may think you're doing your dog a kindness by shaving their hair to cool them down.

However, double coats are designed to keep dogs warm or cool depending on the weather.

They naturally shed their undercoat during summer, allowing their skin to remain cool.

If shaved, growing back this undercoat can make dogs even hotter.

Katie, who works in Briar House Veterinary Surgery, said her centre has not had many animals in for heat-related problems so far this summer.

She said: "We luckily haven't seen many animals for heat problems. This may be because awareness is growing.

"I'm glad we haven't had any dogs brought in who have been saved from cars. A dog with heat stroke is a horrendous thing to see."

For everything else you need to know about the heatwave, click here

Read more: All the latest news from Kent