BBCPet owners are being encouraged to keep their animals indoors on Guy Fawkes Night.
Many events are planned across Devon on 5 November, including plenty of colour and sounds thanks to firework displays.
While many enjoy fireworks, Peter Spruell, head vet at White Lodge Veterinary Surgery in Exmouth, urged people to spare a thought for cats, dogs and other pets that could become anxious because of the loud noises.
Mr Spruell said it could be a “challenging time” for pets and he urged people to find a hiding spot for them if necessary.
Mr Spruell said: “There’s different advice for cat, dogs and small furries, but generally for all of them you want to try and provide a quiet spot in the house or a ‘hidey’ place for them.
“Ideally, it’s a dark room with a lot of their own creature comforts… with their own bedding and toys.”
Beth and Liam, who have two mixed breed Romanian rescue dogs called Ralph and Fred, said they stayed in a remote location in Devon to help protect their animals on Bonfire Night.
They said Ralph was particularly affected by fireworks and already on anti-anxiety medication.
“[Ralph] is extremely afraid of fireworks,” said Beth.
“[Fred] is fine, but he will bark because Ralph barks and howls and cries.”
Beth said Ralph needed to be physically held during fireworks.
“He’ll still cry but he’s a lot more relaxed if one of us is holding him,” she said.
“Every fireworks week we always come away to stay in the middle of nowhere. It’s just not worth staying at home because it’s far too stressful for everyone.”
‘Control the environment’
Mr Spruell said animals could go off their food if stressed and cats could refuse their meals and overgroom.
He said pet owners could muffle the sound of fireworks by keeping doors and windows closed.
“You can start thinking about anti-anxiety medication or pheromone diffusers, but often you have to build up to that in advance,” he said.
“By keeping pets inside, you can control the environment and check on your pet after fireworks have ended.”
