A NEW survey from Dogs Trust and Cats Protection has revealed that 65 per cent of pets are worried by fireworks and that 93 per cent of their owners alter their routine during fireworks celebrations.

The survey of 3,750 pet owners shows that two-thirds of dogs (66 per cent) and more than half of cats (57 per cent) display signs of fear.

As a result, 18 per cent of owners have consulted a veterinary surgeon or animal behaviourist to help their pet deal with their fireworks fear. More than 80 per cent of owners believe fireworks should be restricted to official displays only.

Lynn Barber, head of canine behaviour and training at Dogs Trust, said that if your pet chooses to hide, as 70 per cent of pets surveyed did, that is the place where they feel safest and they should be left there.

Also, well in advance of November 5, the Dogs Trust and Cats Protection charities are suggesting that pet-owners should take pets to the vet if they have previously struggled with fireworks and putting music on if your pet usually responds well to it.

Dogs should be walked and relieved before the fireworks begin and cats should be kept inside, with a litter tray, before it gets dark.

During the fireworks, the animal welfare charities advise owners to remain relaxed and to not punish their pets if they cower or are afraid as this may intensify their fear.

It is also recommended that the pet’s routine is altered to allow time outdoors before the fireworks begin. Pets should be kept indoors and should not be left alone in the house as this may cause panic and injury. Also, the curtains should be closed and the TV turned up to drown out the noise.

If your pet reacts badly to the fireworks, seek a referral from a vet to a qualified behaviourist regarding desensitisation programmes and, in the long term, play socialisation CDs to puppies and kittens.

For more information, visit dogstrust.org.uk or or cats.org.uk