Firework season is genuinely miserable for a noise-sensitive dog, and so are the groomer's clippers going on beside their head. Muffling sound at the ear takes the sharp edge off the bangs, and for some dogs that is enough to hold them under the threshold where they can still think, still take a treat and still settle rather than pacing, panting and hiding behind the sofa all evening.

The cups are padded to dampen sudden loud sounds, from thunder and fireworks to clippers and a drill in the next room, and the strap adjusts to hold them in position while your dog moves about. They are light, which matters more than it sounds, since weight on the head is the usual reason a dog shakes something straight off. They fold down small for travel, so they go in the bag for the vet and the groomer. Camouflage or black.

• Padded cups that dampen loud sounds
• Adjustable strap to hold them in place
• Lightweight, so easier for a dog to tolerate
• Folds down small for travel
• Helps with fireworks, thunder and clipper noise
• Camouflage or black

On the name. These are not noise cancelling in the electronic sense. They are passive muffs that muffle, and no ear cover will silence a firework outright. The second honest point is that most dogs need several short, rewarded sessions to accept anything on their head, so introduce them weeks before bonfire night. A severely frightened dog needs a vet and a behaviourist too.

Who it's for: Noise-anxious dogs whose owners are willing to do the introduction work well in advance.