Vets are advising pet owners on how to prevent their animals becoming stressed and unsettled as fireworks season gets under way.

Kevin Wood, clinical director of Cherrydown Vets in Basildon, has warned this time of year can be a nightmare for terrified pets who become spooked as fireworks are used ever more frequently, not only for the traditional November 5 bonfire night, but also in celebration of Diwali, Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

“Unfortunately, some animals can react extremely badly, becoming so frenzied that they can injure themselves or even their owners, which can obviously result in serious consequences,” said Kevin.

“The vast majority of stressed pets can be treated without any need to resort to medication, such as the use of desensitising CDs which get animals used to the noise of fireworks and plug-in pheromones.”

Kevin also recommends a host of other tips to help pets cope with the commotion of fireworks season, including closing curtains before dusk and ensuring dogs and cats are inside when any celebrations are taking place.

He said: “There are a lot of things pet owners can do to help their animals, such as taking dogs for walks on a lead in the early evening and distracting animals with active play, television and music.

“However my top recommendation for owners is to remain calm. While it may be tempting to comfort a spooked cat or dog, this can actually be counter-productive. Both ‘mollycoddling’ and punishing a frightened pet could reinforce negative behaviour.

"If owners appear to be unaffected, pets will follow this example.”

Top tips to ensure your pet stays safe during fireworks season:

  • Always keep cats and dogs inside when fireworks are let off
  • Close all windows and doors, draw curtains and seal up cat flaps
  • Let your pet pace around, whine, mew and hide if they want to. Don’t try to coax them out – they are trying to find safety and should not be disturbed
  • Hutches and cages should, if possible, be taken into a quiet room indoors or into a garage or shed
  • Give your small pet extra bedding to burrow into so it feels safe

Basildon Dogs Trust has also issued this guidance.

Echo:

The charity is urging dog owners to build a ‘doggy den’ in their homes in a bid to make dogs feel safe and secure during an often terrifying time for their four-legged friends.

Dogs Trust Director of Canine Behaviour and Research, Dr Rachel Casey, said: “Many of us enjoy the experience of fireworks but for our dogs it’s often a terrifying experience.

"Dogs have approximately four times more sensitive hearing than us, and also have a more extensive range of hearing – they can hear much higher frequency sounds than we can - so just imagine how loud a firework bang is for a dog.

"The smells and flashing light of fireworks are also unusual for dogs. Fireworks tend to be sudden, unpredictable and bright, this cocktail of effects can often have a profoundly negative impact on dogs.

“One tip we have for concerned dog owners is to create a doggy den, a haven where dogs can feel safe and secure. The doggy den should be built away from hubbub of the family home, somewhere quiet where the dog can rest peacefully.

"This will very much be a safe space for the dog, but they should be able to move in and out of the den freely, making it as cosy and snug as possible is a must but Fido should be able to see out of the den should he want to. Concerned owners should seek veterinary advice before fireworks night if their dogs are very scared or panic due to fireworks.”

The team at Dogs Trust Basildon – and staff at the 21 rehoming centres across the UK – will also be going the extra mile to make the dogs in their care feel as comfortable as possible during firework season.

Top tips on creating a Doggy Den:

  • Use an indoor dog crate or chairs and/or a table covered in blankets to create the safe space – using blankets over the top will help muffle the bangs
  • Fill the den with soft blankets, pillows and a few familiar items that smell of your dog to make him feel comfortable, a few items smelling of their owner would be a bonus
  • Make sure your dog has access to clean drinking water in their den, a non slip bowl would be an advantage to avoid spills
  • Add some of their favourite toys to the den; they have positive associations with them so will help them feel at ease
  • Keep a radio or the TV playing as this will help to mask the sounds of the fireworks outside

The charity would love to see images and videos of your Doggy Dens. Tweet @DogsTrust.