Representational image
(SL Shanth Kumar/BCCL Mumbai)
If you’ve owned a pet or known a pet owner, you’re fully aware of the horrors these animals face during Diwali. If our fuzzy friends could question us, they’d probably ask why we celebrate the ‘festival of joy’ with loud noises that physically and psychologically affect numerous animals and many vulnerable humans.
Dogs have about seven times the hearing we do, and constant crackers’ loud sounds stress them immensely. Since they don’t understand the celebration, and there might be no difference between plain old crackers and a battlefield full of deadly risks for them.
While our pets may not be able to apprehend what’s happening or know how to manage their anxiety, we can still do a few things to soothe them during the upcoming festival. Keep reading to learn about a few techniques to make your pet’s life just a little bit easier.
1. Keep them in a soundproof room
Since most of us might not possess the luxury of soundproofing equipment, try to keep your pets in the quietest room you can find. Additionally, closing your curtains will minimise stimuli from the fireworks. You can also use pillows and blankets to reduce vibrations from the outside.
However, try not to chain your pets up, as the confinement can stress them out even more. While you should try to visit and play with them occasionally, be aware that the pet is still stressed and can turn aggressive.
2. Give them earmuffs
You can find anti-anxiety ear muffs from pet stores or the internet. If you cannot find one, you can wrap their ears with a soft cloth to reduce the amount of incoming noise. Comfort your pet before covering their ears because they might already be stressed. For this reason, try to acquaint your pet with such apparel early to get them used to the feeling.
3. Ensure food and water access
Keeping your pets hydrated can help reduce their anxiety, so ensure you have plenty of water in the room you leave them in. Having some food around can always help keep them distracted as well. Make sure you don’t overfeed them, though!
Also, feeding them during the quieter times of the day is advised, as many pets refuse to eat when they are anxious.
4. Anti-anxiety medicine
Dogs and other animals feel anxiety in the same way we do. There are medicines and shots available that can help reduce the effects of situational anxiety (such as fireworks), although make sure you talk to your vet before administrating any of them.
5. Exercise and entertainment
Many dogs and other pets require at least an hour of exercise every day, barring which they can begin to feel stressed. Playing with them for an hour or so in the morning or afternoon (before your neighbours start bursting fireworks in your area) to help tire them out can reduce any tension they might need to let out. You can also leave some of their favourite toys in the room so they can keep themselves occupied.
Many pets respond to calming music, especially when left alone. If you know what your pet is into, leave their playlist on a loop so they can focus on their singing skills!
6. Keep an eye and tag your pet
Diwali also brings numerous guests to our homes, and amid all the celebrations and preparations, it’s easy to forget about your furry friends. But an anxious pet is far more likely to get out of the house and get lost as they try to understand what’s happening. So, keep the doors closed, keep an eye on your pets, and add a name tag with your number just in case they get outside.
7. Adopt a calm demeanour
Dogs and other pets are adept at empathising with their owners. Therefore, if you feel frustrated at them or start panicking yourselves, there is a good chance your pet will reciprocate. Speak to them calmly when you’re with them, and make sure you reward any positive behaviour!
8. Compression products
Some compression shirts and jackets, or even a weighted blanket, can help pets feel like they’re being swaddled as a baby. This helps them release calming hormones and feel much more comfortable in their environment.
9. Keeps sweets out of reach
Sweets can cause digestive issues for your pets, so ensure you don’t feed them too much. Stick to regular pet food, even during the festival of giving.
10. Clean, clean, clean!
Even after Diwali and the fireworks are over, this doesn’t mean your pet is safe! There can be a lot of toxic residue from indoor and outdoor diyas, fireworks, rangoli and other products. So make sure you scrub and clean every inch of your house because you know your dog will find and lick that one place you forgot!
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