A local vet is giving Tavistock dog owners an insight into what their pets can hear, see and feel when fireworks explode, and why one dog may sleep through Bonfire Night while another shakes, barks or tries to escape.

Dogs’ experience of a display can be different from humans. Dogs can detect sounds from around four times further away and perceive higher frequencies than humans.

When a dog is frightened by fireworks, it isn't ‘making a fuss’. Research suggests there are genuine physiological changes taking place inside its body ₂.

Kristina Chourot, clinical director at Westmoor Veterinary Centre - Tavistock, said: “We experience fireworks knowing exactly what they are, when we're likely to hear them and that they aren't a threat. Our dogs don't have that explanation.

“Imagine suddenly hearing an extremely loud, unpredictable noise when you don't know where it has come from. For some dogs, their body responds as though there is something they need to protect themselves from. These aren't dogs being naughty or overreacting. They can be outward signs of a very real fear response.”

Laboratory research involving dogs with a history of firework sensitivity found differences in their autonomic nervous system response when exposed to recorded firework sounds. Researchers observed animated behaviours - including hyper alertness, searching for the sound, trembling, freezing, barking, hiding and attempting to run away.

But fear isn't always as obvious as a shaking dog. Subdued responses can also include pacing and restlessness, panting, quietly leaving a room, choosing an unusual place to lie in, refusing food, and seeking attention. Dogs who display such behaviour may be less likely to get help, but that doesn't mean they aren't experiencing noise sensitivity.

Kristina suggests owners can help frightened dogs by creating a safe place they can retreat to, closing curtains to reduce flashes, providing soothing background noise, and keeping dogs indoors when fireworks are being let off. She also suggests that if you know your dog struggles with fireworks, to speak to your vet in advance to put the right support in place.