'Simple but effective' way to keep your pets calm on Bonfire Night using item you'll already have

While Bonfire Night might seem exciting for most people - with colourful firework displays to enjoy - at home, almost half of the nation's dogs will be petrified.

Any owner of such a dog will tell you of the difficulty of trying to comfort them. But one radio station is once again offering a 'simple but very effective' way to keep them calm.

Dog lovers Dan Walker and Charlotte Hawkins will present two special Pet Classics shows on Classic FM. Charlotte will host the first programme on Saturday, November 2.

Former BBC presenter Dan Walker will host the second programme on Tuesday, November 5. The shows aim to help relax your furry (and feathered) friends.

Both shows will be broadcast between 5pm to 9pm and will coincide with the busiest evenings of firework displays. While this time of year may be fun for us humans, it can be a stressful and frightening period for pets.

Both Pet Classics programmes have been specially curated to feature the most soothing classical music to calm nervous pets and anxious owners. Many of the music choices are connected with animals, including Saint-Saëns’ ‘The Swan’, Elgar’s ‘Mina’, his last work which he named after his Cairn Terrier, and Mozart’s Piano Concerto No.17. Mozart owned a pet starling whose song features in the concerto.

Alongside the soothing music, Charlotte and Dan will read out personal dedications to listeners’ pets. Charlotte said: “It’s always an absolute joy to host Classic FM’s Pet Classics, and to welcome everyone – snuggly or scaley – to our radio oasis. It’s one of my favourite shows of the year to present.

“We know that classical music has a positive effect on humans and pets alike, and it’s fantastic to see that in action, through the thousands of photos and videos we receive of listeners’ pets relaxing and dozing off. In fact, it’s the one programme where I want my audience to go to sleep with the radio on.”

Dan, who presents Classic FM Breakfast, said: “I am looking forward to joining Charlotte and the Pet Classics team this year. I love classical music and I love animals so what more could you want? Our dog Winnie is a cockapoo and I know that fireworks can be a problem for thousands of pets and animals.

“We created Pet Classics to provide a sanctuary, filled with the most relaxing music, when fireworks can be at their loudest. If, like me, you’re new to Pet Classics, come and join us, and bring your pets.”

Carrie Stones, Campaign Manager at the RSPCA, said: “Listening to Classic FM is a simple but very effective way to help your animals – I will certainly be tuning in with my own two dogs, as I know many other people will too, including our rescue centres and branches.”