THE RSPCA has issued the following advice for your cats and dogs during the bonfire and Guy Fawkes Night s celebrations: Treat fireworks phobia early – speak to your vet about what you can do for your pet. Close windows and curtains during fireworks, an

THE RSPCA has issued the following advice for your cats and dogs during the bonfire and Guy Fawkes Night's celebrations:

* Treat fireworks phobia early - speak to your vet about what you can do for your pet.

* Close windows and curtains during fireworks, and play music quietly to mask the firework noise.

* Try to ignore your cat/dog if they show signs of fear, unless there there is imminent danger and never show anger to your cat/dog if he/she appears frightened. Either action will only convince your pet that there is something to be afraid of and will make things worse.

* Make sure your cat/dog is kept in a safe environment at all time, but has somewhere to hide safely.

* Make sure your pet is microchipped as this will help the chances of a safe return if they do escape. Consider using a dog-appeasing pheromone diffuser that disperses calming chemicals into a room where your pet is. Speak to your vet for advice.

* Provide a doggy play area in your house in a quiet room, where your pet can go during fireworks.

* If possible, keep your cat indoors when fireworks are likely to be set off and remember to lock the cat flap once he/she is indoors.

* Make sure your cat/dog has somewhere to hide if he/she wants to. Don't try to tempt them out as this can cause increased stress.

Advice for small animals

* If your pet lives outside, partly cover cages, pens and aviaries with blankets so that one area is well soundproofed. Make sure your pet is still able to look out.

* Provide lots of extra bedding for your pets so that they have plenty to burrow in.

Advice for wildlife

* Before setting fire to any bonfire or pile of vegetation, make sure you check it carefully for any animals.

* Only build bonfires at the last moment to prevent wildlife from hiding inside them.

* Disturb the foundations of a bonfire before lighting it to give wildlife the chance to escape.

General advice

* Use lower-noise fireworks as they will reduce the likely stress caused to animals.

* Make sure that pet and farm animal owners in the neighbourhood are aware of the time and date of any fireworks event you have planned.

* Fireworks debris and litter can harm animals, so pick it all up after it has cooled down and dispose of it safely.

* If you find any injured animals during the fireworks season, contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.