Useful Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe This Diwali

As we gear up for Diwali celebrations, we must keep in mind the safety of our pets and the stray dogs around our houses. Saying NO to crackers is a must for the benefit of humans as well as pets, but we still see many people around buying and bursting crackers during the Diwali days. This can be a very stressful experience for dogs, with the loud noises causing them to even get sick at times.

Here are some tips to keep your pet safe this Diwali:

1. Keep your dog indoors with the doors and windows shut, away from the noise of the fireworks as much as possible. Take them out to do their business a couple of hours before the Diwali celebrations begin in the evening. 

Keeping them indoors and having doors & windows shut is a small but important detail to save your pet from the terror of the loud firecrackers. Try to find a room without windows, if possible, especially when it is the peak time for crackers.

2. Keep food and water handy for the dog, as a well-fed dog tends to be less anxious. Feed them their full meal much before the Diwali peak time. 

3. Rub diluted lavender oil behind your dog's ears to reduce anxiety levels during Diwali time. Lavender is known to have calming effects and is good for stress management in your dog. (Image Courtesy: Pixabay)

4. Block the loud noise of crackers by placing a soft cloth/cotton ball over your dog's ears. You can also use a woollen pair of socks to make DIY ear muffs for dogs. Cost effective and dog-friendly, these ear muffs are sure to help your dog stay strong this Diwali. (Image Courtesy: Google Images)

5. Keeping your dog distracted and engaged with sturdy toys and treats is important. We probably know this but reinforcing always helps! Keep your dog engaged with sturdy rope toys, robust bone toys and his/her favourite treats during the awful hours when the crackers take over. While your pooch may not respond to them in the usual way, this effort will definitely help distract and take his/her mind off the scary noises.

6. Do not keep your dog unattended at any point of time. 

7. Keep a first aid kit handy so that you can offer help to your dog in case he/she happens to run around and is hurt in any way. A name tag will also help get your dog back to your house if he/she runs away due to fear.

8. A few days before Diwali, try to feed your dog or play with them with a light sound of the firecrackers being playing on TV or in a video. This will make them less scared of the cracker sounds when the time comes as they will gradually begin to associate the noise with something positive - like food, cuddles and more. As the fear of the sound reduces, they will learn to handle the stress during Diwali better and this will go a long way in training your dogs.

How to Help Stray Dogs during Diwali:

1. Give shelter to a homeless animal and they will surely bless you for the same. This is the worst time of the year for stray dogs and allowing them a little space in our homes and hearts is the least we can do.

2. Offer the dogs food and water so they feel less anxious. 

3. If you see anyone trying to scare a stray dog with crackers, have courage to stop them. Offer first aid to the dog if needed.

Dogs are afraid during Diwali time and they DO NOT enjoy the loud noise of crackers. Don't push them too hard or punish them for anything undesirable they may do during this time. You are their only support and all they need is a little support and love from your side to battle the anxiety. Give your dog the reassurance that everything is going to be fine.