Training to alter anxious behaviour: with patience and training, it is possible to desensitise your dog to the sound of fireworks. Reward calm behaviour and try to ignore their distress; never punish your pet for bad behaviour.

Tips to keep your pet calm: keep them inside in a safe room with curtains closed; ask a friend to look after your pet or use doggy day care rather than leaving them alone; play soothing music or their favourite show an hour before fireworks start; play games with treats; use a calming pheromone diffuser or collar (Feliway, Adaptil); wrap them in a favourite blanket or use a thunder shirt; seek professional help — many pets need calming medication over Christmas and New Year.

If fireworks go off unannounced and your pet bolts, that’s when microchipping and a collar with your phone number count. Preventing fireworks phobias early, and staying home with your pet for their first fireworks season, helps set them up for future years.