Bonfire Night is just around the corner and while it is a beautiful and exciting celebration for humans, the loud banging of fireworks can be frightening for your pets to hear.

Every year the fireworks seem to get louder and start earlier on in the year - often causing an absolute nightmare for dogs and their owners.

But - with a little bit of preparation and forward planning, November 5 needn't be a traumatic experience for you or your pooch.

Here are some top tips to make sure your dog doesn't get too scared or nervous around fireworks this year.

Before the fireworks start:

  1. Walk your dog before dark - make sure they are well exercised and have plenty of time for toilet breaks before the fireworks begin
  2. Feed your dog before the fireworks begin as they may become unsettled and not want to eat during the fireworks
  3. Make sure your house and garden are secure as fear may make your dog act out of character and they may try to escape
  4. Try to settle the dog before the fireworks start - if your dog is in a familiar safe surrounding it will help them cope with the noise
  5. Provide a safe hiding place - at noisy times around Bonfire Night, make sure your dog has somewhere safe in his or her favourite room, perhaps under the table.
  6. Close the curtains and turn up the volume on your TV or radio to drown out the firework noises

During the fireworks:

  1. Don't punish your dog if they cower or react to the fireworks as it will intensify their fear.
  2. Remain calm and relaxed and this will help the dog realise they're nothing to worry about
  3. Don't leave your dog alone in the house during the fireworks - they may panic, resulting in injury or damage to your furniture
  4. Keep your dog busy by playing games or doing some reward-based training, but don't force them - if they'd rather hide away, let them stay where they feel safe.
  5. Be careful not to reward your dog for reacting to noise. It's better to act as though there's nothing to worry about. However, if your dog comes to you for comfort it is best not to ignore them.
  6. Gently stroke them along their flanks and ears as it helps to calm them
  7. Never force a dog outside when fireworks are being let off, and even if your dog enjoys fireworks, never let them off lead outdoors when fireworks are being let off.

After the fireworks:

  1. If your dog has reacted badly to fireworks, seek advice from your vet regarding desensitisation programmes to help them cope more easily next time.
  2. These programmes generally take several weeks or more to complete, they are not something that can be started in the final run-up to firework season and must be carefully planned.
  3. You should also ask about 'Adaptil' collars which contain a dog appeasing pheromone - a scent which can comfort your dog and help them cope with their fears.
  4. It is also important that in the long term your dog becomes less scared of loud noises. Prevent noise phobia developing by ensuring that puppies are desensitised to loud noises.

All you need to know about Bonfire Night!

Fancy seeing a beautiful fireworks display this year? Put some of these dates in your diary!