As the night's draw in and we move in to wellies and coats for our walks, we should also start to think about how things can affect our pets. If your pets are anything like our little rescue dog, Pickle, you'll know exactly what I mean. Pickle likes order, she likes calm, she likes quiet - well unless it's her chasing us round the fields when we play tag on our walks that is! As we approach Halloween, Bonfire Night, Christmas and New Year's Eve we try and make sure Pickle is ready for everything that comes with these nights of human fun and frolics. We can obviously do everything in our own home to make sure she is calm and safe, but we can't dictate what our friends and neighbours may have planned. We know there'll be lots of visitors to the house, that's OK, she loves people and is very sociable. What she doesn't like is loud bangs, so fireworks are her worst nightmare!

So what can we do when there is a fireworks display going on down the road in the local park, to ensure she feels as clam and safe as possible?  Well first of all keep the environment safe for them, make sure doors and windows are closed - not only does this reduce the noise, it also means they cannot bolt and run when they are scared.  Try not to leave pets on their own, if you know there is an event that may frighten them.   Keep their routine as normal as possible, have some "normal" noise on in the house, music or the TV are great as background and again will help mask some of the bangs outside.  Reassure them and stay calm yourself.  If you get anxious or angry at your "thoughtless" neighbours, your pets will sense that, and it will add to their stress.

You can also try some form of relaxant, there are lots on the market, but speak with your vet and work out which may be best for your pet.  Remember many of these products require a period of time to maximise the results, so don't leave it until the night before to start introducing your pet to a new product.

I hope these suggestions help keep you and your pets calm and safe over the winter.