Dhanteras marks the beginning of the festivities for millions of families across the nation. All families want to celebrate Diwali with warmth. But amongst the rendezvous of attractive decor, delicious food and crackling of the fireworks- one must not forget about the family member who might not be feeling safe- the pet. There are many hazards associated with the festival for the pets that require adoption of preventive measures to avert them as caring pet parents.
Understanding the Risks
Fireworks create thundering sound which is scarry for the pets. Dogs and cats are able to hear the sound with low decibels as well. Pets try to hide, run around tensely or exhibit uneasy animal behaviour. This ignites anxiety in animals. The decorations round the house such as candles and diyas can also become a cause of danger for little ones.
Plans for Increasing Security for Pets
- Make a Pet Safety Room: It is always a good practice to set aside a quiet, comfortable room in the house which the animals can go to when the celebration commences. The quiet room, if close to doors and windows, should be shielded from loud noises using sound proof material. Pet parents are advised to use ear plugs for their fur babies to protect them against loud noises. The room can also be furnished with some of the pet’s favourite toys/bedding and a bowel with some water.
- Cool Your Head: Most pets are keen to the feelings of their masters; if you happen to be tense or miserable during the course of the celebration, chances are that your pets will be feeling the same emotions. Instead maintain a composed disposition while assuring them using soft words and nice touches. Engage with them in fun activities like playing and feeding.
- Walk the Dogs at Non-firing Hours: As ideal as it is, having fireworks is not as predictable as they would have wished, a lot of times people begin before the actual celebration and some ring long after the official celebrations are done. To this end, plan their walks when there is less activity and or noise. If this is not possible try to keep them indoors during the most intense fireworks displays. Maintaining the pet’s energy level is crucial during these times.
During the Festivities
- Say No To Fireworks Or Crackers: If you are organizing a gathering for Diwali, think of celebrating in a less noisy way. Ask the last attendees if they can pat down and avoid any of the fireworks in the area. Informing family and friends will help create a convenient environment for our furry friends by avoiding such noises.
- Lock Up: Do remember to keep doors and windows shut in order to prevent your pets from escaping due to the noise outside. For example, put your pet on a leash or harness to avoid them from running away if it is restless and you have to go outside for a short period.
- Watch Out For Their Food Control: There is too much of chocolates and fireworks and various cusines during the occasion of Diwali which can be immensely alluring to animals, however, several of those human foods are dangerous for their health. Chocolates, fatty foods, and some nuts in particular can be very detrimental to animals. Instead add their favourite fruit to their diet. It is prudent to teach family members, including young ones especially not to share their ‘eatables’ with the animals.
Post-Diwali Puzzle Care
- Look For A Potential Hazard: After such events, look around the house and garden to check if there are any hazardous items. This includes used parts of firework which can be dangerous if consumed. Ensure to provide no such items are around the pets.
- Assess for Distress: It is important to take care of your pets and look for signs of anxiety in them. Such behaviour is characterised by too much barking, shaking, cowering, or loss of appetite, among others. Where you suspect such behaviour is caused due to rather severe grounds, take your pet to the vet for advice.
Take Care of Animals
As responsible pet owners, we are liable not only to care for our pets, but also to guard the interests and rights of all the pets. The pet parents should try one way or another way to come into contact with one, particularly during the holiday period. If possible, help any of those civic societies which deal with animals as NGOs, especially with respect to adoption and rehabilitation programs. For the same reason, during Diwali time, several campaigns are carried out by various organizations which sensitize people to the adverse effects of fireworks on animals. Whatever help you can offer – through donations, work or promoting the cause – is valuable.
In closing
Diwali is a positive celebration full of joy and love. If we all try to adopt some of these important safety precautions, then it will be possible for us to ensure that our pets are well cared for throughout the festivities. There is no need to be superstitious yet let’s remember our four-legged friends as we celebrate and light our houses and hearts during this festive period creating an environment where everyone in the family is free to enjoy the festivities of Diwali including the pets.
By Nishma Singhal and Kshitij Singhal, Founders, Zoivane Pets.
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