Taking care of pets during Diwali!

Diwali, the festival of lights and happiness is here! It is a festival full of celebrations, lightings and sweets. Enjoying this festival with family and friends is something everyone takes pleasure in. Pets are also a part of the family for animal lovers. But Diwali can be a distressing time for the animals due to the loud noise and lights all around. Dogs and cats have stronger hearing power. So, what we recognize to be loud is even louder and unbearable for them. Besides, dogs are also susceptible to vibrations caused by loud noises. Hence, one needs to take extra care of pets during Diwali season.

Here are a few calming tactics to help your pets when the noise levels are high.

• Try to sensitize your pet to the noises by playing similar sounds ahead of time.
• Take your pet for a good walk during the day before the fireworks start.
• Do not leave your pet alone and keep them away from firecrackers.
• Never burst crackers in front of pets.
• Do not let your pet enter any common area like terrace or walkway where crackers are being burst.
• Keep your pet distracted by playing with him.
• Let your pet stay in a closed room with soft music playing and the family members accompanying him/her.
• Keep the windows shut and curtains drawn to mask sounds and flashes from fireworks.
• Put on the TV or radio to cover the sounds of fireworks.
• If your dog hides under a sofa, let him be. Forcing him out causes more stress.
• Give your pet his favourite treats and a bowl of water.
• Do not comfort your pet if he is showing frightened behaviour. Act normally and tell him that there is nothing at all to be scared of.
• Reward your pet when he is calm and not looking afraid.
• Do not rebuke or punish your pet for being fearful.
• Take medicines if any from your veterinarian beforehand.
• First aids for burns must be kept handy.
• Licking and sniffing the crackers can lead to toxicity to your pet. So, keep the firecrackers away from your pets.

The other risk during Diwali is when pets run away in fear and go missing. Engraving your mobile number on your pet’s collar, or, adding a pendant with his name and your number before the celebrations begin is strongly recommended. Do not leave your pets unattended even for short periods of time. While taking care of your pets, do not forget the stray animals in your locality. Take a round twice a day. Leave food and water for them. Try and keep them in your compound or garden or housing colony for a couple of days. If you see any of them wounded, take them to a veterinarian immediately or call for an ambulance. 

Wishing you and your family (includes pets) a very happy and safe DIWALI!