Bonfire night is the big firework party in Britain, but away from the oohs and aahs of the watching crowds enthralled by the night sky being lit up with flares and flashes, there could be a much loved member of your family for whom bonfire night brings nothing but fear.

Many pets get very distressed on bonfire night with the loud bangs causing a greal deal of terror.

It doesn’t have to be that way though, so don’t ignore the problem. Seek advice from your vet who will be able to refer you to a professional clinical animal behaviourist. You can also follow our top tips to make firework celebrations less frightening for your pet.

The RSPCA recommend the following for keeping cats and dogs secure

• Make sure your dog or cat always has somewhere to hide if he or she wants to and has access to this place at all times. For example this could be under some furniture or in a cupboard.

• During firework seasons, walk dogs during daylight and keep pets indoors when fireworks are likely to be set off.

• At nightfall close windows and curtains and put on music to mask and muffle the sound of fireworks.

• It’s fine to comfort your pet if it helps them relax, or leave them alone unless you think they will harm themselves.

• Never punish your pets when they’re scared as this will makes things worse.

• Make sure your cat or dog is always kept in a safe and secure environment and can’t escape. Have your pet microchipped in case they do escape.

Just for dogs

Before the season Planning ahead can help your dog cope with the fireworks. Talk to your vet about pheromone diffusers. These disperse calming chemicals and may be a good option for your dog. Your vet may also prescribe medication. If either of these options is used they should be used with behavioural therapy.

Before the firework season starts provide your dog with a doggy safe haven – choose one of the quietist rooms in your home. Don’t interfere with it in that area.

Train your dog to associate the area with positive experiences. Leave toys there but not imposing yourself at any time. Use a variety of toys and swap them regularly so that your dog doesn’t become bored with them.

With time your dog can learn that this place is safe and enjoyable. So when fireworks happen it may choose to go here because it knows that when it is here, no harm will come to it. It is important that your dog has access to its doggy safe haven at all times.

Just dogs – when fireworks start

• Close any windows and black out the “doggy play area” to remove any problems caused by flashing lights.

• Each evening, before the fireworks begin, move your dog to the play area and provide toys and other things that they enjoy. Make sure that there are things for you to do too so that your dog isn’t left alone.

• Ignore the firework noises yourself.

Play with a toy to see if your dog wants to join in, but don’t force them to play.

Sounds Scary

For dogs In the long term your dog needs to learn to be less afraid of loud noises.

With proper treatment this is possible so that the next firework season will be less stressful for you and your dog.

The RSPCA recommend Sounds Scary, an easy to follow therapy pack for dogs which includes a specially made set of sound recordings and an easy guide.

The amount of training needed will vary from dog to dog so owners should start training well in advance of firework seasons. Visit Sound Therapy 4 Pets for more information.

Just for cats

• Make sure your cat has somewhere to hide. For example this may be under some furniture or in a quiet corner.

• Don’t try and tempt your cat out as this will cause it to be more stressed.

Don’t forget small animals

• If your pets live outside, partly cover cages, pens and aviaries with blankets so one area is well sound-proofed.

• Provide lots of extra bedding so your pet has something to burrow in.

Acknowledgement – Prof Daniel Mills.