Fireworks Night can be terrifying for some dogs, with bangs and flashes feeling like serious danger.
But with conflicting advice available to owners, it can be difficult to know how to best support our four-legged friends at this time of year.
Real physiological changes
"We experience fireworks knowing exactly what they are, when we're likely to hear them and that they aren't a threat. Our dogs don't have that explanation. Imagine suddenly hearing an extremely loud, unpredictable noise when you don't know where it has come from." explained Dr Illingworth.
"For some dogs, their body responds as though there is something they need to protect themselves from."
Fireworks have been proven to trigger real physiological changes in dogs, with observed behaviour including trembling, freezing and trying to escape.
Surprising advice
“Owners sometimes wonder why their new puppy is frightened when their previous dog wasn't, or why two dogs living in exactly the same household react completely differently" shared Dr Illingworth.
The answer, it seems, lies in a complicated combination of genetics, age, past experiences and learning. Pain can also influence the way in which our dogs experience fireworks.
Contrary to the widespread myth, reassuring your dog on Fireworks Night will not increase their fear. But it is important to give your dog choice, looking out to see whether they choose to come to you for comfort or prefer to hide away undisturbed.
Owners should take extra safety precautions for days or even weeks following the 5th of November, with 12 per cent of dogs needing a week or more to recover.
