Pet owners have been offered advice on how to keep pets calm during Halloween and Bonfire Night.

The Healthy Pet Store, in Totton, has issued advice to help reduce pet anxiety and ensure that dogs and cats stay calm during the noisy times.

The store has said that the loud night-time bangs and flashes of fireworks around Halloween and Bonfire Night leave pets shaking and scared.

Pet owners are left worrying about how to protect their animals.

Signs of distress and anxiety in pets include trembling, pacing, hiding, or excessive barking.

Deborah Burrows, managing director and owner of Healthy Pet Store, said: "Our pets are family, and we all want to protect them from the stress and discomfort of unpredictable loud noises.

"There are several strategies that can help minimise their anxiety from fireworks.

"Creating a safe space at home, using calming products, and playing soothing music are just some suggestions to help pets feel more secure."

Healthy Pet Store has shared some top tips to help pets through these difficult periods in the year.

One of the key suggestions is to create a safe space for your pet.

This involves setting up a quiet, cosy area where your pet feels comfortable.

The area should be established well in advance of the fireworks season.

It can be made more comfortable by covering the pet's den or crate with heavy blankets and positioning it away from windows and external noise.

The use of calming products such as sprays, drops, plug-in diffusers, or anxiety wraps is also recommended.

Pet owners are also advised to overlay outside noise with their pet's favourite toys or games, and play calming music.

Classical music is known to soothe pets.

Routine changes, such as ensuring the pet is safely indoors well before the fireworks start, are also recommended.

This may mean bringing them in during the late afternoon, walking them a lot earlier, or not at all.

Ms Burrows added: "Our team at Healthy Pet Store is always here to provide advice and recommend products tailored to your pet’s needs.

"We want to ensure this season is as stress-free as possible for both pets and their people."