Tips To Keep Dogs/Cats Safe During Diwali

Diwali is only a week away and everyone is already excited and have started their preparations for it. Diwali is said as the festival of lights and crackers. It brings with it a host of firecrackers and their correspondingly loud noises that are so difficult on our ears. But have you ever imagined those irritatingly loud noises amplified several times over? Sounds nightmarish, doesn’t it? Well, that’s how it is with animals, especially dogs.

While thousands of people across the country celebrate Diwali festival by bursting crackers, dogs and cats – both pet and stray – tremble with fear, as they cannot bear the loud noise. It pierces their delicate ears and drives them crazy in terror.

Follow these tips to protect your pet or a stray dog/cat:

Keep your pets indoors and in a familiar room. Pets have a heightened sense of hearing so the loud noises cause many animals to flee away here and there in fear.

Keep all doors and windows closed and draw the curtains to reduce the noise.

Supply pets with enough food and water and ensure someone can stay with them to comfort them.

Store fireworks safely in a closed box, somewhere cool and dry, and out of reach of pets. Do not keep fireworks containers under stairs or exposed in passages.

Decorate with lights, lamps and diyas that are friendlier to the environment and animals by giving off less smoke and noise.

Refrain from bursting crackers near an animal shelter or zoo or near any stray. Noise can cause panic and fear. Pollution from burning firecrackers is also harmful to their health.

Take dogs for a walk during the daytime before the celebrations begin. Never walk them near where others are lighting firecrackers.

Consult a veterinarian if dogs/cats are prone to acute anxiety or distress from loud noises. Check their availability during Diwali in case of emergency.

Don’t leave them alone at home

Make a first aid kit in preparation for helping injured animals. Have a bucket full of water handy for emergency and for putting used sparklers into.

Most importantly, try and be with them every time and cuddle them.

It’s best to choose small crackers and ensure a safe Diwali for our furry friends at home and around our neighborhoods. Stay safe and keep everyone safe too.