'I'm a dog expert - this is 1 simple thing to stop stress on Bonfire Night'

A dog expert has some top tips to help keep pooches as calm as possible on Bonfire Night. Many dog owners will know how the loud and sudden bangs of fireworks for Guy Fawkes Night next month can worry and upset their four-legged friends.

A study last year, involving more than 2,000 pets, found 79% experienced stress and 77% exhibited fear due to fireworks. Yasmin El-Saie, a holistic dog anxiety expert, said one-simple thing owners can do to help their dogs is to stay at home and turn on the TV. She said: "Although it's tempting to head out to enjoy the fireworks, I always try to stay home; the most calming reassurance for our dogs is to be with them.

"Try to watch a favourite TV show or film together."

She added: "Make sure to give your dog their evening walk before it gets dark and always walk on the lead to limit the risk of being spooked by any fireworks going off."

It is also important dogs have a safe space available, such as a basket or bed, according to Ms El-Saie.

The expert also encouraged owners to close doors and windows and shut curtains and blinds to help reduce noise and block out the sight of fireworks.

Ms El-Saie said dogs can feel secure when physically close to their human family and suggested letting the pets press themselves against their owners.

While a heartbeat pillow or toy to mimic the heartbeat of the dog's mother can help them feel "extra secure", she added.

Other tips include calming collars and special shirts which wrap tightly around the dogs and aim to reduce anxiety feelings.

"You can also look at purchasing a dog-calming plug-in diffuser," said Ms El-Saie.

"The pheromones help soothe your dog's anxiety."

Another top tip was playing music - research from the Scottish SPCA animal charity and the University of Glasgow suggested reggae and soft rock can help lessen a dog's stress levels. Bonfire Night is held annually on November 5, however lots of events celebrating the tradition also often take place in the days before and after.