How can you help your pet on Bonfire Night?

With bonfire night taking place tomorrow the RSPCA has released a new report highlighting the stress that fireworks can cause animals.

The organisation says there are "lots of simple things you can do to help your pet deal with fireworks".

How can you help keep dogs calm during fireworks?

  • Walk them during daylight hours to avoid times when fireworks are likely to be set off

  • Close windows and curtains to muffle the sound of fireworks

  • Put on some music or tv to mask the firework sounds

  • Create some hiding places around your home

How can you help keep cats calm during fireworks?

  • Provide hiding places in your home

  • Cats can become more stressed if they're outside during fireworks

  • Microchip your cats in case they're startled and escape outside

A new RSPCA report highlights the stress that fireworks can cause animals. Credit: ITV West Country

How can you help keep other small animals calm during fireworks?

  • Partly cover outside cages and pens with blankets so an area is soundproofed and hidden, but allow another area for the animals to look out

  • Provide bedding small animals can burrow into

  • Consider bringing them indoors

How can you help keep horses calm during fireworks?

  • Tell the organisers of local firework displays that horses are nearby and ask them to set off their fireworks in the opposite direction

Is there any other advice?

  • Check locally to see if there are going to be any firework displays in your area

  • If your pet is clearly distressed by fireworks, seek advice from your vet who may refer you to a professional clinical animal behaviourist

You can find more information on the RSPCA website.