The bright lights and bangs of Bonfire Night are enjoyed by millions of people every year, but for pets it can be the most nerve-wracking time of the year.

Statistics show approximately 80 per cent of dogs, as well as cats, rabbits and guinea pigs, have a phobia of fireworks, which can leave them terrified.

The ‘firework season’ can last for weeks around the 5th of November, so vets are advising pet owners on how to help their pets keep calm during this period.

Dr Huw Stacey, director of clinical services at Vets4Pets, said: “Animals, including dogs and cats, have very heightened senses and are incredibly sensitive to sudden loud noises and flashes in the darkness.

“Although we humans generally love the rockets and sparklers on Bonfire Night, they can be very upsetting and confusing for our pets. They just cannot comprehend what they are or understand that they won’t hurt them.

“The classic signs of distress in dogs are shaking, barking excessively and hiding away. In cats it can include hiding behind or on top of furniture.

“It would not be surprising if they ended up quivering away in the corner. However, there are many easy ways of relieving your pet’s stress.

“One of the key things to remember is to never punish your pet, even if your dog will not stop barking, this will only make them much more stressed.

“The top tips include providing your pet with a cosy hiding place, making sure all escape routes (cat flaps, windows and doors) are closed and shutting curtains or blinds.

“We understand families want to enjoy Bonfire Night, so we want to encourage pet owners to follow some simple steps to help the whole household have a happy and stress-free evening.

“Further information on keeping pets calm during Bonfire Night can be found at www.vets4pets.com/fireworks.”

A guide to keeping you pets calm during Bonfire Night:

· Provide indoor pets with a den or hiding place inside the house where they can feel safe

· Outdoor pets should be given lots of extra bedding to provide them with somewhere to burrow

· Ignore fearful behaviour, such as panting, shaking and whining. Animals may pick up on their owners’ anxiety, which could make the problem worse

· Around Bonfire Night walk your dog when it is still light outside. This reduces the possibility of fireworks being let off and your dog becoming worried

· Make sure all windows, doors and cat flaps are securely closed during fireworks night. This will reduce the chances of your pets escaping, but make sure your pet is microchipped just in case they do escape

· Provide extra litter trays for cats. Litter trays will be used more as your cat is confined to the house

· Provide distractions, in the form of new toys and chews, during periods when fireworks are occurring

· Draw curtains and put the TV on to mask the noise of fireworks being let off

· DO NOT punish your pet. This will only make your pet more distressed

· Try not to leave your pets alone when fireworks are going off. Your pet may hurt themselves during this time

· If you have pets living outside (birds, rabbits, gerbils etc.), partially cover their pens or aviaries with blankets to help muffle the sounds of the fireworks

· Vets can prescribe medication to help keep your pet calm

Common signs of stress in dogs:

Ears back

Excessive panting

Drooling

Shaking

Hiding away

Barking excessively

Messing in the house

Common signs of stress in cats:

Soiling the house

Trying to run away

Refusal to eat.

Cowering and hiding under, behind or on top of furniture