While Bonfire Night can be a lot of fun for those of us who love fireworks, it can also be traumatising for our furry friends.
The loud noises can be incredibly unsettling for cats, dogs and other pets, and it's stressful watching them and not being able to do anything about it.
But thankfully, Classic FM has pet owners covered. The radio station is airing a special show on the evenings of November 4 and 5 specifically to help soothe our pets on what can be a very anxious night, Bristol Live reports.
Since 2017, Classic FM has teamed up with the RSPCA to create Pet Classics - night of soothing music for pets and their owners.
A recent survey by the animal charity revealed that two-thirds (63 per cent) of animal owners reported that their four-legged friends were distressed during firework season.
The survey also found out that playing relaxing music was the most common way (36 per cent) to help soothe or prepare their animals, along with taking their animal elsewhere (29 per cent).
Many kennels and rehoming centres use the power of classical music to help the animals in their care become less stressed.
Pet Classics will be hosted by Classic FM presenter Charlotte Hawkins. As well as the specially curated music, it will feature dedications to listeners’ pets as well as advice from the RSPCA for any owners looking to reassure their animals.
Both shows will feature the most relaxing classical music for pets and their owners, hand-selected by the radio station to create a soothing atmosphere.
Previously, the radio show has encouraged listeners to share pictures of furry friends enjoying the soothing music, using the hashtag #PetClassics- and were bombarded with signs of pet approval from dogs and cats to tortoises and even goldfish.
Classic FM's presenter Charlotte told the radio station : "I am so thrilled to be hosting Pet Classics again this year, as it’s such a special show. I’ve seen first-hand from my dog just how difficult a time it can be for pets during the fireworks, but it’s amazing the difference relaxing music can have in helping to calm and soothe animals.
"We had such an overwhelming response to Pet Classics last year, it was so good seeing the impact the music made to pets up and down the country. We were sent photos of dogs, cats, birds, horses and even a chilled-out iguana… so I’m looking forward to people joining in again this year and sending me lots of photos of their calm pets!"
Clare Dew, RSPCA Chief Inspector added: "We know fireworks are a source of stress for animals each year, and that owners can really struggle with knowing what to do for the best. It's one of the reasons we are delighted to partner with Classic FM on their Pet Classics programmes, as studies show that calming music can be beneficial for some animals during this time.
"I'd suggest keeping your home as quiet as possible, shutting the curtains, creating a safe haven with blankets and a favourite toy for your pet, sticking the radio on and having a chill out evening. We'd also encourage people holding displays to be mindful of animals who live outside.
"My own rescue dog Frank struggles at this time of year and he finds it reassuring to know we are there at home with him, so that's where I'll be this year."
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