If you're anything like me, you'll absolutely dread this time of year.
It's silly season, fireworks lighting up the sky and terrifying the living daylights out of our beloved pets and it's not just cat's and dogs.

I am proud owner to two dogs, Bella, an English Springer Spaniel and Poppy, a Chocolate Labrador. When it comes to personality they're poles apart. Poppy is the most chilled out, laid back, couldn't give a flying fig about anything (other than where her next meal or cuddle is coming from) dog, Bella on the other hand is a total stress head, always has been, always will be.

So what can you do to protect your pets in the coming weeks?

There are a number of solutions on the market to try, and it will all depend on the level of stress that firework season creates for your animals. I'd like to share with you a few of my findings.

CD preparation - buy a CD of fireworks and play regularly to get the animal used to the noise.
DAP - Dog Appeasing Pheromone. These can help to keep your dog or cat calm when stressed and mimic the scent of a parent animal. They come in a choice of plug in with refill, spray or collar. You can get these from your vet or pet stores.
Adaptil - another DAP which comes in the form of plug ins or tablets.
Thunder Shirt - these apply a gentle pressure on the dogs torso which can have a calming effect.
Natural remedies such as Bach - if you're keen to use a more natural solution then Bach flower remedies are helpful. Your local health store will be able to supply and advise on the best product to use.
A safe place - create a "safe place" for your dog. A den like space will help them to feel safe and secure. Add blankets to muffle noise, you could even introduce new toys as a distraction.

Ensure they are chipped and tagged - just incase! 

Despite natural instinct, sitting cuddling your pet and assuring them that everything will be okay is not the right thing to do as it reinforces that what's happening is actually bad. I'll leave you to make your mind up on that one, at the end of the day, if it calms your pet, I know you'd do it anyway.

Of course you can always close the curtains, turn the T.V up loud and hope for the best but in my house that just doesn't cut it.

As I said earlier, It's not just the cats and the dogs. For many a year, my parents had to stand out in the field on bonfire night to ensure our horse didn't break it's neck from running terrified. So many animals suffer at this time of year, I hope that yours have a peaceful one.

Whatever you do, ensure that your pet remains indoors and don't punish them for being frightened, it'll only make the situation worse.  
Lastly, I wish you the very best of luck!

Why not share your experiences of what has worked for you and your pets?