While Bonfire Night is a day of celebration for most people, it can be a night full of dread for pet owners.
Fireworks can leave pets feeling very distressed and panicky - especially cats and dogs.
Thankfully, there are ways you can use technology to keep your pets calm when fireworks are lighting up the sky.
READ MORE: Bonfire warning after three-year-old saved mum's life when smoke triggered asthma attack
Leading animal welfare charity Battersea has provided some tips to help keep your pets calm with the devices in your home.
Ali Taylor, Head of Canine Behaviour and Training at Battersea says: “Fireworks season can be a scary time for our pets, however, there are things that you can do at this time of year to help a nervous animal.
"Timing your dog walks earlier in the evening when fireworks aren’t being let off or ensuring your curtains are drawn are both good ways to help, as well as using your devices to turn lights on in the evenings, play calming music or switch on the TV – which will all help to buffer the noise and sight of fireworks.”
“Animals may choose to hide if they are worried by the fireworks, so set up a cosy den area and start to encourage your pet to choose to settle in there by hiding some tasty treats.
"If you know that your pet has severe reactions to fireworks, consider talking to your vet ahead of the celebrations to see if there’s any medications they can provide to help with their anxiety, and we’d always recommend not leaving them on their own”
Create a relaxing environment
According to Battersea, music can reduce the sudden impact of firework sounds.
Why not play classical music playlists on your Amazon devices with Alexa at home?
You can also say “Alexa, comfort my dog” or “Alexa, calm my cat” to play calming sounds through your Echo device.
You can access both features, and much more, through the Alexa app.
Set up dog barking detection
Create a Routine through your Alexa app that can be activated whenever your device hears a bark at home.
You can personalise the Routine and trigger different features to calm your pet, including turning on smart lights, playing a calming playlist, or having Alexa chime in with a few comforting words.
Put on your pet’s favourite shows
Battersea suggests that TVs should be left on for anxious pets during fireworks, and we all know that many dogs love watching cartoons, nature shows or even reality TV.
You can play shows on your TV at home through your Fire TV Stick by simply asking the device’s Alexa remote to quickly play your pet’s favourite shows on Bonfire night.
Keep tabs on your pets
Battersea recommends that you shouldn’t leave your pets alone if they get stressed or anxious during bonfire night.
If you need to pop out quickly, then setting up a Ring Indoor Cam is a great way to keep tabs on them.
Talk to your pet through smart devices
You can use the Drop In feature from your Alexa app to speak to your pets, and they’ll hear your voice on your Echo device at home.
Alternatively, use the Two-Way Talk feature on your Ring camera to check-in.
Whilst it isn’t advised to leave pets alone – this is a good option in case you need to leave the house briefly.
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