Statistics released this week by The Kennel Club, the UK’s largest dog welfare organisation, show a 56 per cent increase dogs in Wales going missing during November, as fireworks season begins.

Analysing missing pet data over a five-year period, from 2017 to 2021, from Petlog, one of the UK’s largest lost and found pet databases run by The Kennel Club, shows 56 per cent more dogs are marked as missing or lost by their owners in November, compared to December.

To help dogs get through fireworks season as safely and comfortably as possible, The Kennel Club has created a Spotify playlist which can help owners to get their dogs used to the noises: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7jKSsXJKdj6KSNAWDxnmjY.

Start on a very low volume for a short amount of time and slowly build up to avoid causing your dog any distress - if your dog does start showing signs of distress, stop immediately, and seek help from a qualified trainer or behaviourist.

Of course, owners should remember that there are multiple elements of fireworks which can trigger fear, from cracks and whistles, followed by bangs, to vibrations, flashing lights and the strong smells in the air. Whilst playing these sounds may help most dogs, it is not the complete remedy, and further advice from experts at The Kennel Club includes:

• Making a safe space for your dog filled with their favourite toys and blankets. You could drape a thick duvet over the top of it to make it more soundproof, but make sure that it’s secure and can’t fall on to your dog

• Shutting all the doors and windows, and keeping curtains closed to block the flashing lights

• Distracting your dog or trying to drown out the sounds by keeping the TV or radio switched on, or a washing machine or tumble drier which gives off vibrations

• Checking where and when displays are being held in your local area.  Also ask your neighbours to let you know if they are planning a private display

• Quietly and affectionately acknowledging your dog’s calm and settled behaviour during fireworks

• Keeping your dog’s microchip details up to date makes it easier to reunite you with your dog, in case they run away or escape

• Trying to act and behave as normal - your dog will pick up on any unusual behaviour. Remain calm, happy and cheerful as this will send positive signals to your dog