SIR - Some of your readers may be dog owners and as we approach Bonfire Night and the weeks surrounding this celebration, Dogs Trust has some helpful hints on how to help your faithful firework-phobic four-legged friend get through firework nights.

Hard as it might be to do, try your best not to comfort him, as you will encourage his fears. Of course, once he has cheered up a bit or relaxed you must give him some love and attention - so that he knows he's acting in the right way.

Provide your dog with a safe hiding place (a cardboard box would do) in his favourite room of the house, close the curtains and turn up the volume of your television or radio to drown out the firework noises. Remember not to shut any internal doors, as he may feel trapped and panic.

Don't leave your dog alone in the house, as he may panic and injure himself. Try to keep your dog busy with games or reward-based training, to keep his mind off the noises. Try some doggy earplugs - you can buy these from pet shops, or use wads of cotton wool.

Certain breeds of dogs seem to be more sensitive to noises than others. Left alone, noise phobias tend to get worse over time, rather than better, so you really do need to act to help your dog if he's scared on fireworks night.

Factsheets with more details on how to help your dog with his fears on Fireworks Night, and similar topics are available on our website www.dogstrust.org.uk.

SHARON HATT,

Dogs Trust.