The RSPCA is appealing to dog owners to start preparing their canine companions for Bonfire Night by using sound therapy to minimise the misery suffered by terrified animals.

The number of firework related calls received by the RSPCA's national control centre rose to 940 in 2007 - more than double the 456 received in 1999 - with more than half of the calls received in November.

It has also been estimated that up to 45 per cent of dogs in the UK show fearful behaviour when they hear fireworks. This could mean that anything up to three million dogs could be affected.

Sounds Scary! CD In a bid to reduce this number, the RSPCA has endorsed the Sounds Scary! CD therapy pack, produced by Sound Therapy 4 Pets.

This can be used to help dogs learn to be less afraid of loud fizzes and bangs in the build up to the traditional Bonfire Night celebrations. The two-CD pack features a wide variety of firework sounds, as well as thunder and gunshots.

Prepare your pets well in advance Every dog is different and the amount of training needed will vary from dog to dog. However, the RSPCA recommends that owners start training with the Sounds Scary! CD well in advance of 5 November.

It can take several weeks to see the improvements in a dog's fearful behaviour, so owners should not see this as a quick-fix solution.

Mark Evans, the RSPCA's chief vet, said: "Fireworks and other loud noises are a source of great anxiety for many dogs. This year, the RSPCA's Fireworks campaign is encouraging people to help treat and prevent their dogs' fireworks fears using the Sounds Scary! CD - a scientifically proven therapy tool.

"We want owners to help their dogs become less afraid of firework noises well in advance of the fireworks season, rather than attempting, and often failing, to provide short-term fixes that have no long-term benefit.

"Treating dogs that are afraid of loud noises takes time and commitment from owners, but can transform the welfare of the animal. The more time spent now will be rewarded by the time Bonfire Night comes around."

A scientifically proven therapy tool Sounds Scary! has been designed by internationally renowned vets Jon Bowen and Sarah Heath, who have a combined 30 years of experience. They now exclusively treat animals with behavioural problems.

Jon said: "Sound Therapy 4 Pets has led the way in designing proven therapy products for dogs with noise phobias and we are proud to be involved in the RSPCA campaign this year.

"Dogs that are afraid of loud noises have a miserable time every firework season and they tend to get worse year on year. Unfortunately their owners may not be aware that this problem is, in fact, treatable.

"Sounds Scary! has been independently and scientifically tested and proven to be highly effective and easy to use."

Proceeds from CD will help RSPCA The Sounds Scary! CD pack comes complete with a comprehensive manual that answers typical questions many pet owners have about phobias, as well as an easy start poster so that you can get started right away.

10 per cent of the money from each CD sold will go to the RSPCA so that we can continue to help more animals.