Many dogs are afraid of fireworks, and with the onset of the festive season, this might become a concern for most of the pet-owners.

Dogs are more sensitive to sounds than humans. Their hearing capacity is approximately 10 times more. Therefore, loud noises such as fireworks, thunder etc. would give them a scare and make them feel insecured and stressed out. They whine, bark, howl, tremble and get restless. Here are some tips to help your dog calm down and relax during the time the fireworks are being let off.

• Take the dog to a long walk or, preferably, a car ride on the day before the fireworks are let off.

• Give them a safe place to hide, such as under the bed or in his kennel

• Keep most of the doors and windows closed. Use glass to shield the sound, if possible. Bring down the curtains and lower the window blinds to keep out the light.

• Do not leave the dog alone. Be at his side and, if needed provide him with some of the dog toys.

• Put a T-shirt on him and tie it close to his chest. Alternatively, cover the dog with a blanket. Keep playing soft music; this might make him comfortable.

• Increase the volume of TV/radio to mask the sound. Put on the fan, if required.

• Give him some of his enjoyable pedigree food to distract him.

• Use some calming supplements like mild doggy tranquilizers, Composure liquid- which as Thiamine and a small amount of colostrum calming complex. A relatively new product, DAT (Dog Appeasing Pheromone) which can calm down dogs by diffusing fragrance containing pheromones into the air.

• Play CDs/videos recorded with sounds of fireworks and thunder for desensitizing the dog and to enable him to get accustomed to the noises. Make sure you pat him all the time, so that he will feel secured.

• Try to engage your dog with some simple games and exercises while the fireworks are being burst outside.

In general, socialize your dog so that he gets used to people and to small noises around him. Do not leave him under the bed or in the kennel; instead make him feel comfortable with strangers and take him for a walk daily for an hour or two.