A drug that calms dogs during noisy events such as Bonfire Night has been developed by scientists.
Many dogs suffer anxiety and fear from the loud bangs and explosions of firework displays.
The new treatment reported by Veterinary Record can help alleviate common fear behaviours, such as trembling and whining.
It has won the journal's annual Impact Award for research that is considered likely to have the most significant practical use.
It was selected from around 150 papers last year, due to it's value for an issue often seen by vets in small animal practice.
After a rigorous judging process, the paper was commended as an important contribution to improving the welfare of both pets and owners.
The drug is now available as a treatment on prescription by vets.
Noise phobia is a dog's sudden and profound, sometimes extreme response to noise, manifested as intense, active avoidance or anxiety behaviours.
Sensitivity to noise is among the most common behavioural concerns for dog owners but is often inadequately treated.
Dr Mira Korpivaara at Orion Pharma, Finland, developed an oral gel form of dexmedetomidine that could be administered by dog owners at home.
On New Year's Eve 2012, 182 dogs with a history of acute anxiety and fear associated with fireworks noise were given either the gel (89) or a placebo (93) as needed up to five times, as part of a randomised trial.
Owners assessed the overall treatment effects as well as signs and extent of anxiety and fear at several pre-defined time points before and during then celebrations.
More than seven in ten of the dogs given dexmedetomidine (64 of 89, 72%) either did not show any signs of fear and anxiety due to fireworks exposure, or the signs were mild and temporary.
This was about twice as many as the placebo group (34 of 93, 37%).
Dogs in the dexmedetomidine group displayed fewer signs of fear and anxiety despite the noise of fireworks, including panting, trembling, vocalising (whining, barking, growling, howling), pacing and inappropriate urination.
The researchers said dexmedetomidine "significantly reduced behaviours related to fear and anxiety over time, and the overall effect and success of treatment were found superior to placebo."
Furthermore, they said the dose used was "safe and devoid of any significant clinical sedative effect."
Finally, the novel administration form and delivery system was found by owners to be easy to use across the range of dogs tested.
But they reminded veterinarians of the importance of instructing the clients carefully on correct use of new medications.
They also emphasised a personalised treatment plan should be set up for every patient covering all appropriate treatment options.
Orion Pharma license the dexmedetomidine oromucosal gel to Zoetis, which supply it in the UK to veterinarians.
Dr Korpivaara said: "Sensitivity to noise is among the most common behavioural concerns for dog owners but is often inadequately or inefficiently treated.
"Up to 49 per cent of owners report that their dogs show fear responses to some sort of noise, the most common being fearful responses to fireworks.
"Similar responses to fireworks, gunshots and thunder are frequently seen, suggesting that responses to one loud noise are generalisable to others."
She added: "Dexmedetomidine significantly reduced behaviours related to fear and anxiety over time, and the overall effect and success of treatment were found superior to placebo.
"Furthermore, the dose used was safe and devoid of any significant clinical sedative effect.
"Finally, the novel administration form and delivery system was found by owners to be easy to use acrossthe range of dogs tested."
