PET owners are being urged to take measures to ensure their animals are safe and stress-free on Bonfire Night.

Loud bangs and flashes created by fireworks can frighten dogs, cats and small animals, so pet experts at Pure Pet Food have advised owners to take precautions and plan ahead to help keep animals calm in the lead up to Guy Fawkes Night.

Pets have been known to jump fences and run away in a bid to escape the deafening bangs and bright lights of fireworks, so it’s important to try and keep them as calm and relaxed as possible.

A spokesperson for Pure said: “Animals have heighten senses and their hearing in particular is much stronger than ours. A dog’s hearing is twice as sensitive as a human’s for example, and a cat’s three times.

“So, it’s no surprise that a bang from a firework can be frightening for pets.

“Not to mention the fact that they don’t really understand where it’s coming from – or why.

“It goes without saying that you should always keep your dogs and cats inside when fireworks are being let off, and if possible, bring any small animals that live outside, like rabbits and guinea pigs, indoors too.

“If you can’t bring their hutch inside, you should turn its enclosure around so that it faces a wall or fence instead of the open garden, and cover it with thick blankets and tarpaulin to block out the sight of fireworks and muffle the sound of the bangs. But remember to leave enough ventilation.”

The company are urging owners to make sure their animals are microchipped and that the details are up to date.

Owners are being asked to shut all of the doors and windows in their home and draw the curtains.

It is advised that during fireworks owners try and act as normal, as pets will pick up on any unusual behaviour.

If a pet chooses to hide, owners should not try and tempt them out as this could possibly cause more stress.

Avoid leaving pets at home

when fireworks are going off near your house, and if you do have to leave, don’t get angry with your pet if you find they’ve been destructive or messed in the house – shouting at a

frightened pet will only make them more stressed.