While many of us are gearing up for a night of fireworks, bonfires and sparklers we're being asked to remember the effect the night has on our pets.

The RSPCA has issued a list of tips on how to keep animals stress-free when the bangs go off outside.

They include bringing pets like cats, dogs and rabbits inside and drawing the curtains whilst playing music to muffle the sounds.

The RSPCA's Klare Kennett says the evening can be terrible for animals: "We understand what the loud bangs are about so it might make us jump but we know what they are.

"For animals it's just an extremely loud bang and it's terrifying. They don't understand what it's about, just lots of loud bangs and it stresses them out immensely."

The charity has also joined forces with Sound Therapy 4 Pets to promote a CD that gets animals accustomed to loud noises ahead of occasions like bonfire night.

The soundtrack contains a list of effects ranging from gunshots to fireworks.

The charity is also working to get the levels of noise from fireworks allowed by law reduced.

Ms Kennett said: "The decibel level that was allowed used to be very, very loud but we'd like to see the levels lower still because they really don't need to be that loud.

"I'm sure people would rather see quieter fireworks that still look beautiful but actually cause less stress to animals."

For more information on how to keep your animals stress-free during fireworks night go to www.rspca.org.uk