It's a lovely time of year for getting together with family and friends, but if you've got a dog who's frightened of fireworks, it can be a rather different experience.
As dog owners ourselves, we know how important it is to think about our four-legged family members when the bangs and flashes begin.
So we've put together a few practical tips to help make Bonfire Night a little less stressful for dogs and their owners.
The best things you can do are create a safe, quiet space at home, walk your dog before dark, close the curtains, keep their routine as normal as possible and offer reassurance when they need it.
Every dog is different, of course. Some barely notice fireworks, while others can become genuinely frightened by the noise and flashing lights.
Here are a few things worth trying.
If your dog finds fireworks frightening, make sure they have somewhere familiar and comfortable to retreat to.
This could be their usual bed, a quiet room or a crate they already enjoy spending time in. Add their favourite blanket or toys and let them settle wherever they feel safest.
Closing the curtains can help reduce the flashes from outside, while having the television or radio on at a comfortable volume may help soften some of the noise.
It's worth preparing this space before the fireworks begin, rather than waiting until your dog is already frightened.
And if they'd rather curl up next to you on the sofa or hide under the table, that's fine too!
This is a simple one, but it can make a real difference.
If you normally walk your dog in the evening, try heading out a little earlier during fireworks season, ideally while it's still light.
Remember, fireworks aren't always limited to 5th November. Across Shrewsbury and the surrounding Shropshire villages, displays and celebrations can take place over several evenings and weekends.
Even dogs who aren't normally bothered by loud noises can be startled by a sudden bang, so it's sensible to keep them on a lead when you're out.
It's also worth checking that their microchip details are up to date, they're wearing a suitable identification tag and your garden is secure.
If you know there's a fireworks display happening nearby, you can plan your evening around it rather than being caught by surprise.
Dogs generally appreciate familiarity, and Bonfire Night probably isn't the best time to introduce lots of changes.
Try to stick to their usual mealtimes and routines, and give them plenty of opportunities to relax during the day.
You might find that feeding them before the fireworks begin works better, as some dogs lose their appetite when they're anxious.
A favourite chew, food-filled toy or gentle game can also provide a welcome distraction, provided your dog is interested.
But don't worry if they'd rather leave the toys alone and settle somewhere quiet. Every dog reacts differently.
Some dogs cope reasonably well with fireworks, while others find them genuinely distressing.
There are various calming products available, including pheromone diffusers and calming wraps, which may help some dogs feel more comfortable.
If your dog has been particularly frightened by fireworks in previous years, we'd recommend speaking to your vet well in advance. They can advise on appropriate ways to manage noise anxiety and discuss treatment options if necessary.
You may also have heard about playing recordings of fireworks at a very low volume to help dogs become accustomed to the sounds.
This can be useful as part of a gradual training programme, but it needs to be introduced carefully, ideally well before fireworks season. It's not something to suddenly try at full volume a few days before Bonfire Night!
We think this is probably one of the most important points.
If your dog is frightened, there's nothing wrong with sitting with them, giving them a cuddle if they want one or simply letting them know you're nearby.
You don't need to make a big fuss, but equally, you shouldn't feel you have to ignore them.
Try to stay relaxed and behave as normally as possible. If they want to play, that's great. If they'd rather curl up next to you, that's fine too.
And whatever happens, don't tell them off for barking, shaking or hiding. They're not being naughty; they're frightened.
Of course, none of this means we shouldn't enjoy Bonfire Night!
Fireworks displays and bonfire events are a popular part of the autumn calendar, and there are usually plenty of opportunities to enjoy the celebrations in and around Shrewsbury.
It's simply about remembering that not everyone in the household will be quite as enthusiastic about the bangs and flashes!
If you're planning a night out, take a look at our Bonfire Night events in Shrewsbury on thebestof events page. You'll find details of local celebrations, along with plenty of other things happening across the area.
And if you're staying at home with your dog, we hope these tips help make fireworks season a little more comfortable for them.
After all, there's nothing wrong with enjoying the celebrations while making sure our dogs feel safe and happy too.
