Pets and crackers - How to calm your pet during Diwali

Diwali is one of the most awaited festivals of the year, when we look forward to celebrating with family and friends. Unfortunately, the festival of lights and sounds can be quite stressful for our furry friends. As pet parents, understanding and managing pet anxiety during this stressful time is of much importance.

Diwali pet anxiety management

Due to their sensitive and strong hearing, our pets are easily susceptible to high decibel sounds, and sudden changes in the surroundings with the loud noises of fireworks can put them in a stressed and confused state. The possible signs of stress that you can look out for are whining, loss of appetite, salivation and defecation inside the house. Many pets even try to escape from their homes due to the stress and confusion.

Pet care tips for firework anxiety

As a concerned pet parent, here are a few pet calming techniques and pet comfort strategies that you can use to make this Diwali less stressful for your furry companion.

Take your dog out for a walk during the early morning hours, when there is the lowest probability of loud firecrackers. Make walks more fun with a variety of leashes and collars.

Never force your pet to be outdoors, by shutting them out or chaining them, when crackers are being burst.

Shut all the windows / doors and draw the curtains to make your home sound and light proof to minimize the sound that enters.

Use special ear muffs for dogs, or place thick cushions and blankets on the floor to reduce the vibrations caused by loud noise.

Create a cozy, secure corner in the house for your pet to hide or retreat during the cracker bursting celebration.

Play music or white noise at a high volume to mask the noise from outside. You can also find special desensitizing music to calm dogs and cats.

Distract your pets by playing with them, giving them chew toys, and the occasional dog treat.

Provide your pet with lots of water to ensure that they stay hydrated during this stressful time.

Your vet can prescribe sedatives and calming supplements that will help alleviate your pet’s fear and anxiety. Consult with your vet, and keep the medicines handy.

If possible, escape the noise of the city, and take your pet on a short vacation to a quieter and calmer place.

Additional safety tips that you can follow

Have an identification tag, with updated information, on your pet before the festivities begin. This is to ensure that your pets are secure and back home safe even if they escape or run away.

Keep your pets away from discharged firecrackers as well, since sniffing and licking the firecrackers can lead to toxicity.

Remove all breakable or movable items in the house, as the stress can cause some pets to get hyperactive and destructive.

Keep a few buckets of water handy, in case of any accidents. Also keep first aid supplies ready to treat any burns or injuries.

For all the joy that our beloved pets bring into our lives, it is our responsibility to ensure a safe and happy Diwali for them, since they are very much a part of our family.

We wish you and your loved ones a safe and vibrant Diwali, and we hope that this blog helps you in your pet stress management efforts.