Wychavon District Council and Dogs Trust have been advising people to minimize the trauma and anxiety on Bonfire night. Their guidelines include not leaving pets alone at home, walking them before dark, including playing games with your pet to keep its' mind off loud firecracker noises.

According to Susan Tonner, who manages The Dogs Trust, UK's largest dog welfare charity, 80% of dogs are frightened by fireworks, while 45% of owners say they give sedatives to calm their dogs' nerves. Sean Wensley, PDSA senior veterinary surgeon adds that fireworks cause a great deal of distress and anxiety for pets. Dogs show their fear by trembling, shaking, pacing and panting, or they can cling to the owner, reluctant to leave his side. Cats on the other hand, attempt to run away when they hear the loud , or else refuse to eat, even soiling the house.

However, dogs and cats are not the only ones sensitive to loud and sudden noises, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, farm animals, wildlife and other pets can also get traumatized, panicking and injuring themselves, so the best thing is to keep pets indoors, so that everyone can enjoy the fireworks on bonfire night.

If, you are a dog owner, call 01386 565015 to ask Pip for advice. Local people can also donate edible dog treats to Dogs Trust Evesham rehoming centre, which cares for 150-dogs and whose stocks of dog biscuits is running low. All donations can be made to De Montfort Veterinary Hospital, Merstow Green, Evesham, or Dogs Trust Evesham, Pitcher's Hill, Wickhamford.

As well, PDSA has issued a free advice leaflet, Fireworks and Pet Safety, you can download from www.pdsa.org.uk.