Pet owners worried about their anxious animals this Bonfire Night will have a little help from Classic FM. The radio station is broadcasting a special show - on the evenings of November 4 and 5 - with music selected to soothe pets who are spooked by fireworks.
Classic FM has been running a Pet Classics show for Bonfire Night since 2017. This year the show will again be hosted by Charlotte Hawkins and, as well as music, will feature shout-outs to listeners' pets alongside advice from RSPCA specialists, Bristol Live reports.
Charlotte said: “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!”
A recent RSPCA survey found the nearly two in three (63%) animal owners said their pets were distressed by fireworks. The survey found that playing music was the most common way owners use to attempt to soothe their pets.
RSPCA chief inspector Clare Dew said: "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."
Listeners will be encouraged to share pictures of their animals listening to Pet Classics on social media. Last year #PetClassics became the number one trend on Twitter for a time, according to Classic FM.