How To Care For Your Pets During Diwali And Make Sure They Are Safe And Sound

As the first evening of the festival of lights approaches, and everyone in the household gets busy with the decorations and rituals, some members of the family become extremely alert and panicky. They may run helter-skelter or whine from under the bed, refusing to come out. Yes, the pets of the house experience extreme stress and confusion because of the high-decibel sound of firecrackers. They are not able to understand what the commotion is all about.

Even though community celebrations won't be the norm this year because of COVID-19, families may still burst firecrackers in the vicinity of their homes. This may cause anxiety among the pets in the neighborhood, especially cats and dogs as their hearing is highly sensitive compared to humans. The pollution and smoke caused by the burning of crackers also pose a health hazard for pets.

For Chewie, a cute Shih Tzu dog belonging to 14-year-old Sarvesh, Diwali celebrations are almost a nightmare. "He gets extremely scared and looks for spaces under chairs and tables to hide. We cuddle him and show lots of love so that he feels reassured and protected," says Sarvesh.

Here is what happens when pets are exposed to the sound and fury of firecrackers:

1. Dogs and cats try to hide in a corner of the house, as they become fearful.
2. Dogs may whine or bark continuously; they may start running all around or become aggressive.
3. They may tremble or get palpitations.
4. Dogs salivate due to the stress and this may cause dehydration.
5. Pets are in danger of getting hurt if they run outside suddenly and get burnt by the crackers.

Tips to ensure your pets stay safe and healthy during Diwali

1. Stay calm and don't add to the confusion

Photographer and food blogger Parinita Salian, who is a dog mom to Leo, an adorable eight-year-old Labrador, says that your anxiety can add to your pet's stress levels. So, it is advisable for humans to stay calm and act normal around their four-legged friends, despite the ear-splitting sound of bursting firecrackers.

"The first time it happened, Leo started palpitating and his whole body was shaking. His heart rate went up considerably. At such a time, staying calm, talking to him, and playing with him helped. When your pet's heart is beating fast, another trick is to take him to the bathroom and massage some cold water on his chest. This helps bring down the heart rate and the since the sound becomes less amplified in a closed space, your pet will start to relax," says Parinita.

2. Cut out the noise

Ensure that you keep the doors, windows and main entrance of the house closed, so that there is minimal sound coming from outside. It is a good idea to keep your dog in a room that does not receive much sound from outside. Put on the television or play some calming music. This will be soothing and distract your pet from the noise of firecrackers. If you are bursting firecrackers outdoors, keep your pet as further away from that place as possible. You could also use earmuffs or a blanket to cover their ears.

3. Spend time with your pets and do not leave them alone

The last thing you want is for your pets to be sad and lonely on Diwali, while you are busy with the celebrations. This will only add to their anxiety and make them agitated. Play with your pets, shower them with a lot of attention, give them their favorite treats and cuddle them during this difficult time, so that they feel loved and are able to cope with the noise of bursting firecrackers. If you are having a Diwali party at home, involve your pet in the festivities, and ensure that they do not feel isolated or left out.

4. Keep your pet hydrated

Your dog will be constantly panting because of the fearfulness and anxiety that he goes through due to the deafening sound of firecrackers. This will cause him to salivate more, resulting in dehydration. So, ensure your pet gets ample food and water during these times. Keep a bowl of water close at hand at all times.

5. Keep them away from fire hazards

Sometimes, pets may become agitated and try to run away to get relief from the noise. This may put them at risk of getting burnt by firecrackers. If you and your family members decide to burst firecrackers in the vicinity of your home or if there are fireworks displays happening in your neighborhood, take utmost care that your dog is nowhere near that area. Ensure all doors and entrances are closed to avoid your pet running out of the house. Assign a comfortable and familiar room to your dog and have at least one member of the family keep an eye on her at all times. Also light up diyas and other combustible items in a designated area, which is not accessible to your pet to avoid fire accidents.

6. Do not expose pets to toxic materials from firecrackers

The debris created by burning firecrackers is as hazardous to pets as the crackers themselves. Pets have a tendency to eat the remains of the burnt firecrackers when the celebrations are over and this puts them at high risk of poisoning from harmful chemicals. As soon as the fireworks display comes to an end, clean up the debris and throw it away to avoid any health hazard to your pet.

7. Don't let your pet eat Diwali sweets

Another major hazard all pets face during the festive season is the temptation to consume festival food including sweets and fried items. Sugar is highly toxic for dogs and can cause serious health problems for them. Do not give your pets the same food that you consume during the Diwali festivities. Your pets may also be tempted to taste all the sugar and oil-laden goodies made for the celebrations but ensure they do not eat them. Instead, give them pet-friendly treats made exclusively for them for Diwali. As you get busy with all the festival preparations, do not forget to keep your furry friends well-fed and exercised.

Festivals like Diwali can be a lot of fun and it is also a great time to bond with family. But, every festivity must be celebrated responsibly and with kind thoughts for our four-legged companions.