Are you all set to celebrate Diwali in a grand manner after the two year hiatus? Diwali 2022 is bound to be a glorious affair with all the works – gorgeous clothes, hobnobbing with friends and family and of course, fireworks. We’re sure you’re on top of the game, but what about your pet?
For most pet parents, Diwali can be an exhausting affair with their pet’s anxiety levels soaring through the roof due to the noise. While veterans know how to keep their pets calm, newer pet parents can also prepare with the help of expert tips.
The key, says veterinarian Savan B Thadoda, is to train your pet when they are very young. “Training them early can help make noise aversion manageable and decrease disorientation,” says Thadoda, a fact that Great Dane Sunny’s mother Ensign Varghese agrees with. “When Sunny was small, he would get frightened and hide under the cot. But now, he tries to chase the rockets,” she says.
Varghese adds, “My brother had a black Labrador that ran away after some crackers were burst near him during Diwali. They never found him.” The incident proved to be a learning curve for Varghese’s family who make it a point to be around Sunny (7) during Diwali. “This is the time when you should be with your pets to comfort them with love and affection,” she adds.
Dushyant Nimavat, professor at the Department of English at Gujarat University says his Labrador Kiara (3), was unfazed by firecrackers even during her first Diwali. “But, we can’t control our environment. During such times, they look upon our reactions. So, we make sure we don’t react to loud noises.”
Use earmuffs and keep calm
Thadoda suggests using snug ear muffs. “Try them well in advance as you may need to trick your pet into wearing them. They may want to shake it off. So, you may need to start by putting it on them for just few minutes at a time, gradually increasing the time.”
According to dog trainer Manpreet Kapoor, soundproofing the house and getting your pet used to the sounds may work. “People start firing crackers a few days before Diwali. The frequency at this time is low and bearable. Try to take your pets for walks during those days. That way, they will get used to such sounds.”
“You could also opt for a family vacation with your pet to a resort or a place where there are no crackers,” adds Kapoor.
Nimavat suggests: “Help them relax with their favourite toys.”
Educator Mishri Patel, who is parent to Cliff, a beagle and Sniff, a Labrador, says, “We pull down all sliders and turn on the AC so they go to sleep. Cliff, who is a one-and-a-half-year-old now used to be scared of loud sounds but not anymore. Five month-old Sniff is afraid of nothing.”
Anti-anxiety medicines can help
So what are the erratic behaviour patterns to look out for in your pet? Canine trainer and behaviourist Salomi Gupte explains, “Some pets may show their anxiety by salivating too much, yawning continuously or pacing up and down. If your pet also has similar fear, ensure there is a safe space in your home where they can find comfort. Let them hide if they want. Do not force them to face their fears or the sound. A tightly wrapped blanket around their bodies also helps calm them down. Feed them their dinner earlier as many pets tend to skip their meals due to stress caused by fire crackers. If your dog refuses to eat, it is okay.”
Dog behaviourist and trainer Nidhi Sanghrajka Mehta adds, “Fear-driven reactions can cause the dogs to run and there have been a number of cases of pets getting lost during this time. Hence a name tag can ensure the safety of your pet.”
While there are many products available in the market, Mehta advises ear muffs and thunder shirts or jackets to ease anxiety in pets during this time.
“Get in touch with your vet and behaviourist to start working on the dog prior to the festive season. If necessary, keep anti-anxiety medication handy. Bach flower remedy is one of the alternative methods to help your dog cope with such situations.” says Mehta.
Even anxiety-reducing devices like a puzzle mat or a treat-filled Kong toy can help. Use calming sprays directly on to your pet’s bed, blanket, bandana and the likes
– Savan B Thadoda, Vet
Expert Tips
– Keep ear muffs, anti-anxiety medicines, security blankets, thunder shirts handy.
– Start desensitizing in advance by playing fireworks sounds at the lowest volume. While that’s playing, scatter tasty treats on the floor. Repeat daily and slowly increase the volume of the sounds and continue to reward your dog.
– Keep them in a familiar setting to help keep them calm. Set up a dark and quiet spot in your home. If they’re crate-trained, move it to that area.
– Cats too need their safe spots. Ensure their key resources like food, water, and litter box are nearby, so they aren’t forced to venture out.
– If your pets are outdoors, be vigilant. Exposure to lit fireworks can result in severe injuries.
– Make sure that collar tags and microchips have your up-to-date information.