PAWS for thought this fireworks season and think about how your pet is feeling.

The RSPCA is urging pet-owners to spare a thought for their pets while they’re enjoying fireworks displays across the borough.

While animal lovers are enjoying the fireworks and bonfires, their pets could be terrified by the explosions or injured by the flames.

An RSPCA spokesperson for the southeast said: “Thousands of animals up and down the country suffer anxiety, distress or injury every year because of firework noise and lights.”

Last year the south east region had the second highest number of fireworks related incidents in the country.

The RSPCA has released some tips on how to keep your pet calm.

- Keep cats or dogs indoors when fireworks are likely to be set off, and remember to lock the catflap.

- Close all windows and curtains and switch on music or the TV to drown out the noise of fireworks.

- Leave your cats or dogs to take refuge in a corner if they want to do. Don’t try to tempt them out as this could cause more stress.

- Never show anger if your cats or dogs make noise, hide or pace around.

- For dogs, ask your vet about a plug-in diffuser which disperses a calming chemical into the room.

- Small animals, such as rabbits and guinea pigs, which live outside should be brought into a quiet room, well insulated outhouse, garage or garden shed.

- Provide extra bedding for your smaller animals so they have something to burrow into.

- Cover aviaries, hutches and cages with blankets to block out the sights and sounds of fireworks, but make sure that you leave gaps for ventilation.