PET owners are being urged to spare a thought for their animals in the run-up to bonfire night.

About 80 per cent of dogs are terrified of the noisiest night of the year, with cats, rabbits, birds and even guinea pigs sensitive to the bangs and flashing lights during firework displays.

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But there are ways of ensuring that your precious animals make it through the next few days relatively unscathed.

Dr Huw Stacey, director of clinical services at Vets4Pets, said that dogs and cats were incredibly sensitive to sudden loud noises and flashes in the dark.

He said: “Although we humans generally love the rockets and sparklers on bonfire night, they can be very upsetting and confusing for our pets.

“They just can’t comprehend what they are or understand that they won’t hurt them.”

He said the classic signs of distress in dogs were shaking, excessive barking and hiding away and frightened cats might hide behind or on top of furniture when they hear loud noises.

His main tip was not to punish pets.

Instead he advised providing a cosy hiding place for them where they would feel safe and secure in the home.

He said people should also ensure that all escape routes such as cat flaps, windows and doors were closed. Shutting blinds and curtains also helps.

The following tips might also prove useful: put on the TV or radio to mask the sound of fireworks; try not to leave your pets alone when fireworks are going off; provide extra litter trays for cats; provide distractions such as new toys and chews and take dogs for their walks during daylight to lower the risk of them encountering fireworks.

If you have animals living outside provide extra bedding for them to burrow into and partially cover their pens or aviaries with blankets to help muffle the sound of fireworks in the area.