A LOCAL dogs trust is helping pet owners help their animals to feel safe this firework season.

Evesham Dogs Trust has alerted dog owners that their pet may be upset by the loud noises and bright lights that fireworks bring.

The dogs trust suggest only walking dogs during daylight hours, leaving the TV or radio on, closing the curtains and staying with your pet as ways to help dogs through firework season.

Chris Slight, rehoming centre manager at Dogs Trust Evesham, said: “Dogs don’t understand that fireworks are part of our celebrations, for them they are sudden, unpredictable, bright and very loud so it’s not surprising that so many become scared.

“We do our best every day of the year to keep our dogs relaxed but it’s particularly difficult when fireworks start, so it’s important to understand each dog so we know how to help them the best we can.

“Our canine carers do all they can, finding out what works best to help each dog cope. For some this might be building dens where they feel safe or playing classical music to mask the sounds, or being with people.”

The charity says that although a fear of fireworks is very common in dogs, their reactions can vary.

When it comes to Beau, a six year old dog looked after by the trust, he has found listening to music and spending extra time with a human helps.

Mr Slight added: “He is a gorgeous boy but is definitely not a lover of loud noises so we’re making sure he has had lots of mental and physical exercise so he’s as relaxed as possible, we play music when he is in his kennel to help mask the sounds and we also make sure a member of staff stays with him to help him cope.”