Wyndham Council's acting chief executive, Bill Forrest, said the Lost Dogs Home had collected 24 dogs from the city's pound following New Year's Eve celebrations.

Melbourne University Vet Hospital's head of general practice, Leonie Richards, said while she did not know the exact number of runaway dogs brought into the clinic, it had been inundated with lost pets.

She felt the combination of fireworks and thunderstorms had been the last straw for many of the dogs which had escaped from their yards.

"We have the same problem every year but it was made worse because of the storms we had this year. A lot of people have lost pets," Dr Richards said.

Mr Forrest said the number of dogs collected by the Lost Dogs Home was slightly down on last year, when 27 were taken to the Wyndham pound.

Most of the dogs found this year were returned to their owners by the end of last week. "It was fortunate that most of the dogs were identifiable and were able to be reunited quickly with their owners," Mr Forrest said.

"The high number of animals being reunited with their owners is a great example of why microchipping and registering your pet is so important."

Dr Richards said there were a few things people could do to reduce their dogs' stress during storms and fireworks displays, including using a pheromone spray to calm them down or asking a vet about medication.

She also recommended owners of frightened pets stay with them during storms and fireworks.

"Pets are happier if their owners are home. Fireworks and storms are a huge noise that they can't understand or control.

"Owners need to be aware of their pets' reactions and if they are uncomfortable or terrified they need to either stay with them or make sure they are in a dark, secure area. They feel safer in a small space rather than running around the back garden where they can escape. If they are inside, they need to be in a small space they can't damage."

Dr Richards said the clinic expected to receive more dogs after Australia Day celebrations.