Jim Wallace, one of the partners of the Parkside Veterinary Group, has conferred with other veterinary establishments about how best to keep dogs calm during fireworks and has printed leaflets that have been distributed to Dundee surgeries.

The leaflet states, “Don’t get cross with your dog as it will only make him more frightened.

“Do not soothe your dog to relieve his fears as this gives your dog the impression there is something to be frightened of.

“Also if your dog comes to think of you as the only person who can soothe the fears, he may panic if there are fireworks when you are not around.

“Ignore your dog when he is looking frightened and only show attention and affection when he has begun to relax. Then you can give your dog a game and some food treats as a reward.

“Finally, it is a good idea to keep your dog in a happy mood by playing lots of games as this will stop him falling into a state of anxious tension.

“Ignore the noises yourself and try to appear happy and unconcerned.”

Mr Wallace has produced the leaflet in the hope that fewer people will use sedatives, which only stop dogs from making a noise and damaging property rather than relieving their fears.

He said, “It is important to try to keep your dog calm. This can be achieved by installing a pheromone diffuser, which releases a substance to make dogs feel secure and therefore less anxious.”

“Also moderately loud rhythmic music with a good beat is an effective way to mask firework noises. We also advise creating a hiding place for your dog.

“The curtains should be drawn because often the light of fireworks frightens dogs as much as the sound.

The Parkside Veterinary Group have leaflets available from its surgeries at 61 Constitution Road, 58 Dalhousie Road, Barnhill, and 12 Lawrence Street in Broughty Ferry, telephone 224819, 739634 or 477433 respectively.