A TEESSIDE vet has issued advice on how to keep pets calm in the Bonfire Night period.

Rob Reid, clinic director at the White Cross Vets which is based in both Redcar and Coulby Newham, near Middlesbrough, says that about three quarters of pets suffer from anxiety because of loud fireworks.

The White Cross vets are also offering a free nurse consultation to help pet owners learn how to make Bonfire Night fear free.

Mr Reid, who works at the Coulby Newham branch, explained that consoling the pet can actually make the situation worse.

He said: “Bonfire Night and fireworks, with their bangs and flashes, can often cause a severe wave of anxiety and fear for pets.

"However, there are a wide range of products, such as Feliway for cats and Adaptil for dogs that release natural calming pheromones and pet owners can also use CDs that play firework sounds to help desensitise pets to bangs.

“Although it can be difficult, pet owners should remain calm and act normally to show there is nothing to be afraid of because comforting and reassuring them can make the problem worse. Consoling the pet actually rewards them so they think the fearful behaviour is the correct response.

“All precautions against fireworks can take a few weeks to work so anyone concerned about Bonfire Night needs to start preparing for it now.”

Mr Reid also advised keeping pets indoors and closing the curtains, turning up the volume up on the television or radio to counter the effect of bangs outside, providing distractions like new toys and staying with the pet while remembering to act normally.

For further information about White Cross Vets visit www.whitecrossvets.co.uk or call your local practice at Coulby Newham on 01642-576333 or Redcar on 01642-486338.