PET owners should play CDs blasting out the sounds of fireworks - to make sure their dog or cat gets used to the frightening bangs before bonfire night.

White Cross Vets in Walkden wants owners to start preparations now to ensure their pet pooches and feline friends have a stress-free evening.

The veterinary surgery estimates about three quarters of pets suffer from anxiety because of loud fireworks at this time of year.

But there are more options than ever before to help reduce stress and anxiety.

Clinic director Lorna Siddons said: “Bonfire night and fireworks, with their bangs and flashes, can often cause a severe wave of anxiety and fear in pets.

"However there is a wide variety of products - such as Feliway for cats and Adaptil for dogs - that release natural calming pheromones and pet owners can also use CDs that play firework sounds to help desensitise pets to bangs and crackles.

“Although it can be difficult pet owners should remain calm and act normally to show there is nothing to be afraid of because comforting and reassuring them can make the problem worse.

“Consoling the pet actually rewards them so they think the fearful behaviour is the correct response.

“In extreme cases, where a dog or cat has a major phobia of fireworks, there is prescribed medication that can calm and settle the pet.

“However all precautions against fireworks can take a few weeks to work so anyone concerned about bonfire night needs to start preparing for it now.”

Pet owners should keep pets indoors and close the curtains when it is dark outside and this will reduce their exposure to fireworks.

They should also turn the volume up on the television or radio to counter the effect of bangs outside. Distractions such as new toys and chews can also help

If possible owners should try to stay in with their pet during the firework season but remember to act normally around them

Pheromone diffusers can calm pets in the run up to bonfire night.

Safe places or dens in the home also help pets to hide while feeling secure.

For pets living outside, if it is not possible to move them indoors, then their pens should be partly covered with blankets which will help sound proof them and block out some of the flashes.