The Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind say a number of their guide and service dogs have been forced into early retirement due to stress from fireworks.
Speaking ahead of Halloween, the charity says fireworks can be extremely distressing for all animals, but particularly working dogs such as guide dogs and assistance dogs.
The Irish Guide Dogs say while it is heartbreaking to see working dogs being retired early, it's also devastating for the owner who must wait to be matched with another dog which can take several months.
The charity says during that time, the independence and mobility which the person previously enjoyed is hugely curtailed or completely taken away.
