Spooked pets 'need help' 

While playing soft music and drawing the curtains will help some pets cope with fireworks, others may need professional help, the leader of a new study says.

Research of pet owners by Unitec found that 51 per cent of pets have problems coping with fireworks.

Auckland SPCA helped a team led by animal behaviour and welfare researcher Professor Natalie Waran to survey pet owners. More than 1000 questionnaires were completed, relating to 3527 animals.

Of pets troubled by fireworks, more than half were described as very or extremely scared and 8 per cent had received help, mainly from their vet.

The researchers said pets should be trained from young not to be fearful of fireworks.

"You should ask your vet to put you in touch with an animal behaviourist so that you can start to work on preventive methods in advance," Professor Waran said.

Troubled pets could be helped by drawing the curtains or quiet music.

"But owners need to recognise that if their pet is showing a full-blown fear response, it might need professional help."

- NZPA