Matt Whittaker, manager of Pets At Home Swindon, writes about fireworks night for pets

Many pet owners will know all too well that fireworks season can be extremely distressing for their animals.

Some pets will seek out their owners or hide; others might tremble, salivate, bark or whine. And it isn’t just stressful for indoor pets – those that live outside like rabbits and guinea pigs can also be fearful of fireworks.

Bonfire Night will take place midweek this year, meaning two weekends of potential firework displays and bonfires. However, preparing your pets early can greatly reduce their anxiety levels when it comes to firework season.

Ideally, visit your vet in advance, as they can advise on tailored techniques, products and medication to help your pet cope during fireworks season.

Now’s the best time to set up a safe haven in a quiet part of your home and help your pet learn that this is a relaxing place to be, where they can rest undisturbed. If you have caged birds, its best to cover the cage with a thick cloth to reduce the sights and sounds of fireworks. And for outdoor pets, partly cover enclosures with blankets so that one area is sound-proofed, making sure there is plenty of ventilation and space to look out. Hiding places and extra bedding will also help them feel safe.

Consider trying a calming product. Pheromone diffusers such as Adaptil for dogs and Feliway for cats have synthetic copies of the animals’ natural pheromones to help increase a sense of security, and can be really helpful during the firework season.

Keep your pet inside during Bonfire Night, securing doors, windows and cat flaps to stop them from running off, but make sure they are microchipped in case they escape.

Close windows and curtains and turn up the TV volume slightly or play some music to help drown out the bangs!

The key to a stress-free bonfire season is to prepare your pet as much as possible. Feel free to pop in-store and our friendly colleagues will be able to advise further.