Animal welfare experts at Battersea Cats and Dogs Home charity - which has a centre in Priest Hill, Old Windsor - are urging animal lovers to take special care of their pets tonight and over the weekend.

Lockdown is expected to encourage more people to have firework displays at home.

Battersea’s canine behaviourist and training manager Janine Pemberthy said: “Dogs, cats and other animals can all find fireworks extremely frightening and it’s essential owners are given the chance to prepare their pets for nearby displays.

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“Fireworks may look very pretty, but many dogs find the flashing lights and loud noises very frightening. At Battersea, we make sure we put measures in place to protect our animals when we know there’s a firework display nearby.

"If you are going to have a party, let your neighbours know in advance so that they can prepare their animals. There are legal requirements for the use of fireworks too and all displays need to conform to these.

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"If you are a pet owner and you’re worried about how your dog or cat will react to the festivities, there are tips that you can use on the night itself to help keep them calm. If you are aware of your dog having negative reactions towards fireworks, ensure you speak to your vet for further advice.”

Top tips include making sure your pet is microchipped and to keep animals indoors while fireworks are likely to be going off.

Creating a 'safe space' or hideaway a dog or cat is used to is also recommended and keeping the curtains drawn against sudden flashes of light while acting as normally as possible.