Protect your pets from fireworks

Pet owners are being urged to build dens for their animals so they can hide from fireworks.

The loud noises of Guy Fawkes Night can leave animals petrified and can even kill them if they bolt across a road in fright.

The Blue Cross is urging owners to prepare hiding places now so that they can get used to them before the fireworks start.

The charity’s head of animal behaviour, Julie Bedford, said: “Fireworks can be extremely frightening for animals and they will try anything to escape the bangs and flashes.

“We’ve seen pets who have been so scared they have injured themselves trying to get away. Some have even been killed after bolting from the house in front of a passing car.

“It’s vital to make sure your pets are safely indoors well before the fireworks start and provide a den for them, so that they have safe places to hide.”

Options include clearing a space under the bed and putting down some old clothes, making room in a cupboard and leaving the door ajar, or filling a cardboard box with blankets.

Putting in a few of their favourite treats can help although some pets might be too frightened to eat them.

Click here for more advice about protecting your pets from fireworks and to listen to our petcast.