Diwali is a time of joy, lights, and celebration for humans. But for pets, it is a different story. However, flashing lights and sudden changes in routine can trigger anxiety or even cause harm to your furry companions as you prepare for the festive bash. itis essential to take a few thoughtful steps to ensure your pet’s comfort and safety. Let us know how.
Also Read: Why Quality Pet Food Is Essential? Uses, Benefits, And 5 Ways To Ensure Safety
What Causes Maximum Trauma To Pets?
During Diwali, the following are the main culprits for your four-legged friend to become anxious:
Firecrackers And Loud Noises
The most obvious reason is, sudden loud bangs can cause panic, anxiety, and long-term behavioural issues in pets.
Accidental Burns
Curious pets near diyas, candles, or sparklers risk severe burns or injuries.
Toxic Food Ingestion
Eating sweets, chocolates, or festive leftovers can lead to poisoning or gastrointestinal distress.
Smoke Inhalation
Firecracker smoke can irritate pets’ lungs, leading to breathing issues or pet asthma attacks.
Escapes and Accidents
Frightened pets may flee, getting lost or hit by vehicles in panic.
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Why Is Festive Safety For Dogs And Cats Important?
Managing your pet's anxiety during Diwali is of foremost importance. Not only sudden or constant noises cause stress, but also long-term health issues, ranging from fear or anxiety to hearing problems. While you can have a bash at this time but make sure you tend to your furry buddies too.
Here are 7 essential tips to keep your pets safe, which can be helpful and help you understand how to calm pets during fireworks:
Create A Safe Space
While you can’t control your outside environment, you can manage yours. Set up a quiet, enclosed area in your home where your pet feels secure. Include their bed, favourite toys, and some pet treats to help them stay busy and feel protected from the noise and chaos caused by fireworks and increased festive activities around the house and outside.
Keep Them Indoors
Never leave pets outside during Diwali celebrations. Firecrackers and loud noises can terrify them, causing them to flee or get injured. Keeping them indoors with closed windows and doors minimizes exposure to sudden sounds and bright lights, ensuring they stay safe and within your control.
Use Calming Aids
Consider natural remedies (like calming collars, toys, etc) or vet-approved anxiety medications. These can significantly reduce your pet’s stress levels during loud celebrations. Consult your veterinarian beforehand to choose the safest and most effective option tailored to your pet’s size, breed, and overall health condition.
Muffle The Noise
Play soft music in your pet’s room to mask loud firecracker sounds. Closed windows help dampen noise further. This layered approach can soothe anxious pets and make the environment comfortable amid Diwali’s sudden, intense sound bursts.
Avoid Firecracker Exposure
Keep pets far from firecrackers or sparklers. Inhaling smoke or ingesting residues can harm them severely. Their sensitive ears and noses are highly affected by the pollution. Always supervise outdoor time, and never involve them in activities that include fire, flame, or loud explosive sounds.
Additional Safety Measures
In case your pet runs away out of fear, having a collar with an ID tag is such an additional but simple precaution that is crucial during times when pets are prone to escape.
Keep The Routine Stable
Maintaining your pet’s daily schedule, like feeding, walking, and playtime, gives a sense of normalcy. A consistent routine helps reduce anxiety, making them feel more secure even when external conditions are chaotic.
Avoid Offering Sweets
Though you may want your pet to have a bite of your favourite sweet, many Diwali delicacies contain ingredients like chocolate, xylitol, nuts, or dairy, which are toxic to pets. Keep all festive treats out of their reach. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, or worse. Stick to pet-safe treats to avoid any accidental poisoning or emergency vet visits.
No Leftovers or Spicy Food
Human food, especially spicy or oily dishes, served during Diwali can upset your pet’s digestive system. Resist the urge to share table scraps. Always feed them their regular pet food during the festive season.
Secure the Trash
Ensure that garbage bins are tightly closed or placed out of reach. Discarded food, sweet wrappers, and used firecrackers can be dangerous if ingested by curious pets. Supervise pets closely during clean-up to prevent them from rummaging through harmful leftovers or toxic waste materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to give my pet sedatives on Diwali?
Only give sedatives prescribed by a veterinarian after a proper check-up. Self-medicating can be dangerous and cause adverse reactions in pets.
What are pet-friendly alternatives to firecrackers?
Use silent fireworks, laser light shows, or eco-friendly decorative lights. These offer festive joy without causing stress or harm to pets and wildlife.
How do I calm my dog during Diwali fireworks?
Create a quiet, enclosed space indoors with familiar toys and soothing music. Use calming aids like anxiety wraps or vet-approved remedies.
(This article is reviewed by Kalyani Krishna, Chief Content Editor)
Author Profile: Preeti Sharma
Preeti Sharma has a master’s in electronic media and mass communication and certification in short-term writing from Florida. With close to a decade of experience, she specializes in crafting engaging blogs on beauty, veterinary care, and healthy cooking. Preeti is proficient in video editing tools and produces captivating and informative content across multiple platforms.
References:
Pet ownership and human health: a brief review of evidence and issues
Croit Cullach, Durnamuck, Dundonnell, Ross-shire, Massey University, New Zealand
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1289326/
https://www.internalmedicineforpetparents.com/store/p9/one-month-pet-health-journal.htm
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