Dog owners urged to start training pets as fireworks anxiety grips nearly 10 million British dogs

Almost two-thirds (63 per cent) of British dogs, an estimated 9.9 million animals, are impacted by fireworks anxiety, according to research by the charity.

However, 79 per cent of dog owners say they do nothing to prepare for Bonfire Night, and 35 per cent say they did not know dogs could be desensitised to fireworks.

Guide Dogs said they hoped to expand the training archive with a wider variety of clips, recorded from different distances and locations, capturing the whistles and crackles of screechers and Catherine wheels, and the sudden bangs of rockets and larger displays.

One of the charity's experts, Haley Andrews, said: "Fireworks night is just round the corner, but there’s still time to start desensitising beloved pets now.

"It’s straightforward, relatively easy to do and can help avoid the heartache, expense and disruption so many dog owners experience in the weeks running up to and even after Bonfire Night on November 5.

"By introducing the sounds gradually, at a level their dog can cope with, owners can give their pet, and their household, the best possible chance of having a calmer Bonfire Night."

Guide Dogs recommended that owners start early with desensitisation, beginning at the lowest volume and keeping sessions short at about two to five minutes, once or twice a day to begin with.

Experts recommend that dog owners increase the volume only when the dog stays relaxed, and introduce different sounds carefully.

Households should create a quiet, cosy den with blankets, toys and familiar scents, with treats hidden inside throughout the day so the dog learns to associate it with feeling safe.

On the night itself, owners should take their dog out for a final toilet break before dark, close the curtains, turn on the TV or radio, prepare a food item and let the dog choose where to settle.

A study by researchers from the Bristol Veterinary School found that some breeds were far more likely to suffer from fireworks-induced anxiety than others.

Breeds more tolerant of loud noises include German and Belgian shepherds, basset hounds, dalmatians, bulldogs, poodles, and northern sledging breeds, including huskies.

The most fearful included the bichon frise, the Staffordshire bull terrier, and the border collie, closely followed by crossbreeds and the cockapoo.

These dogs often have incredibly sensitive hearing, which can cause sensory overload from the high-pitched sounds of pyrotechnics.

In July, consumer protection minister Kate Dearden launched a consultation on public fireworks purchases, saying she was aware of concerns raised by charities, parliamentarians and members of the public about the impact of fireworks.

Ms Dearden said in her statement: "Many people have been in touch with me to share their own experience of how fireworks have affected them, their family, their animals, or their wider community.

"I am grateful to them for taking the time to set out their concerns.

"These accounts add valuable context alongside the data provided by local authorities, emergency services, animal welfare organisations and the fireworks industry."

The consultation proposes reforms to existing fireworks legislation, focusing on noise from non-professional fireworks displays and the contribution of fireworks to antisocial behaviour, "whilst continuing to allow people to enjoy fireworks safely and responsibly, including as part of important community and cultural celebrations".

The consultation will consider evidence and views on proposals to restrict the availability of the noisiest fireworks to the general public, with louder products only available to professional users.

Other proposals would extend the list of banned pyrotechnic products and review the regulations for fireworks and pyrotechnic products currently classified as lower risk.