Dogs charity's advice for how to protect our four-legged friends this fireworks season

Dogs Trust is urging all dog owners to take preventative measures to prepare their dogs as this year’s cancellation of large-scale organised displays means more are expected to be held in private gardens.

Sue Embleton, Rehoming Centre Manager at Dogs Trust Darlington said: “For many dogs and their owners, firework season is always one they dread.

"Dogs have approximately four times more sensitive hearing than humans, so the loud cracks and bangs of fireworks can often be a terrifying experience for them.

"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.”

Advice for owners includes:

Make sure your dog is well-exercised and has had a toilet break before the fireworks begin. Feed your dog before the fireworks begin. Make sure your house and garden are secure during the fireworks as fear may make your dog try to escape. Try to settle your dog before the fireworks start. Provide a safe hiding place in their favourite room, perhaps under a table. Close curtains, turn lights on, and turn up the volume on your TV or radio to drown out firework noises and flashing lights.

Anyone set to hold their own display are also urged to let their neighbours know well in advance so they can prepare their dogs, limit displays to 30 minutes or less, and use quieter, lower decibel fireworks.

For more information visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/fireworks

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