ANIMAL welfare charities have put out advice for pet owners to keep them safe during Bonfire Night.

Bonfire Night can be a lot of fun for people across the UK who celebrate with fireworks, bonfires, sparklers and toffee apples.

The event, which takes place on Friday, is held to remember the failed attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605.

But for animals, it can be a tough night due to the loud noise of the fireworks, especially for Dogs who have hearing four times more sensitive than that of a human.

Jenna Kidd, head of canine behaviour at Dogs Trust, said: "The loud cracks and bangs of fireworks can often be a terrifying and confusing experience for them.

"Fireworks tend to be sudden, unpredictable and bright. This combination can be distressing and have a lasting impact on dogs.

"There are lots of things dog owners can do to help make fireworks less stressful for their dogs.

"Simple steps such as providing safe spaces for them to hide or settling them before the fireworks start can make a big difference.

"We would also urge anyone thinking of putting on their own fireworks display to consider the welfare of their four-legged friends and others in the neighbourhood by following our Firework Dog Code."

The RSPCA have put out some advice for pet owners in order to keep them safe during the night.

  • Provide extra bedding - rabbits, guinea pigs and other small animals who live outside should have extra bedding to burrow into or you can cover their housing with a blanket for extra soundproofing
  • Bringing pets inside - if you're planning to bring them indoors to better protect them then start to make this change ahead of fireworks night to get them used to the new sights, smells and sounds inside
  • Speak to neighbours - if you want to plan for dates of local displays, then check local press and websites and speak to your neighbours and local councils/schools etc to find out dates ahead of time so you can plan now to help your pet
  • Soundproof your house - Simple steps like closing windows and curtains can help your house seem safer to your pet, so begin doing this now if it's different to normal to get your pet used to it
  • Start desensitising them to sounds - teach your pet to deal with the sounds by using training CDs, we recommend Sounds Scary, which comes with guidance on how to use it, you can also muffle the sound of fireworks, dogs and other pets by using calming music like classical playlists - start to introduce this now, This is a long-term approach so it may be worth starting now ahead of next year
  • Get help - if your pet has a severe fireworks fear, then speak to your vet or clinical animal behaviourist now to come up with a plan or to discuss whether there are any treatment options to help them