The public have been asked to be mindful of how fireworks affect working dogs and their owners.
Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind urged people to be wary of the dangers posed by explosives as an unprecedented number of incidents have been reported.
The charity, which helps those who are vision impaired and the families of children with autism, is supporting a number of clients whose dogs have been adversely impacted by fireworks and bangers.
Dublin guide dog owner Ulla Quayle said: “In a matter of weeks, my guide dog Sage has had a mental breakdown from the nightly bombardment of fireworks being set off near my home area.
“I’m devastated as I don’t know if she will be able to work again due to post-traumatic stress.
“She is terrified and is unable to leave our house. I’ve lost my guide dog until at least Halloween.
“Sage is now staying with a dog behaviourist who is working to desensitise her to fireworks. Hopefully she can get her over this and back working again.”
Tim O’Mahony, General Manager of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, said: “Most people are aware that fireworks can be upsetting for any animals but particularly working dogs such as guide or assistance dogs.
“Most dogs will cope with a degree of stress in their lives.
“Sometimes, however, a dog has an experience that goes beyond that, such as a firework exploding too close to it.
“This sensitises the dog to a disproportionate degree, like PTSD in humans.
“They may recover after the firework season to varying degrees but they are now in a state whereby over-reaction to unexpected noise has created a fear
reaction.
“In some cases, it can end a dog’s working life leaving their owner without a dog which means they lose their
independence and mobility.”
