Dog owners are being urged to start preparing now for the upcoming fireworks season.
As October approaches, Dogs Trust Cumbria is encouraging pet owners to take early action to help reduce noise-related stress in their dogs, ahead of Bonfire Night, Diwali, and Halloween.
Fireworks, which are likely to be set off throughout October and November, can cause significant distress for dogs due to loud bangs and bright flashes.
Hannah Harris, behaviour policy manager at Dogs Trust, said: "As the nights draw in and we approach Bonfire Night, Diwali and Halloween, fireworks displays will start to become frequent events in many areas.
"Unfortunately, while they are enjoyable for many, the loud noises and bright flashes of fireworks can be very overwhelming for dogs, often triggering signs of fear and anxiety.
"We’re encouraging owners to plan ahead and 'Remember, Remember the 5th October'—a good time to start taking steps to support their dogs during this period.
"A calm and supportive environment, along with a few small changes to daily routines, can make a huge difference to how well a dog copes during this time of year.
"Owners should also be aware that reactions to fireworks can develop at any age, even in dogs that have never shown fear previously, and once they start, they can become worse if not managed properly."
According to the charity’s National Dog Survey, 45 percent of dog owners report that their pets exhibit signs of stress or discomfort during fireworks.
Dogs Trust recommends starting preparations as early as October to help dogs adjust.
Key tips include creating a safe space for dogs to retreat to, adjusting walking schedules to ensure dogs are indoors before dark, and using sound-based training tools, such as the "Sounds Scary" programme, to help desensitize pets to loud noises.
The charity also advises speaking to a vet well in advance of expected fireworks events.
Medication can be extremely useful where dogs are fearful, as it can not only help them cope during the fireworks event, but also stop their fear escalating after each event.
Even dogs who have not previously shown anxiety around fireworks may develop a fear later in life.
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