• Exercise your dog during the day.
• Never walk your dog while fireworks are being let off.
• Keep your dog indoors, close the curtains and play music or turn on the television to drown out the noise.
• Let your dog hide if it wants to take refuge under furniture or in a corner.
• Make sure your dog is wearing a collar and tag and is microchipped in case it bolts and becomes lost.

To further minimise distress, ask your vet about the Dog Appeasing Pheromone. It is a synthetic version of a chemical produced by a bitch shortly after she has given birth. The pheromone reassures newborn puppies and naturally calms them down. Scientists have discovered it also helps calm older dogs as well.

A simple plug-in diffuser that disperses the chemical into the room is available at some veterinary practices. It is safe and easy to use.

If your dog is particularly prone to becoming very distressed, discuss sedatives with your vet. Remember, these should be given before the firework noise begins to allow them to take effect.