How To Take Care Of Your Pet Dog This Diwali

For most of us, Diwali is one of the most enjoyable and auspicious times of the year but for our dogs, Diwali always feels like a nightmare.

If you already own a pet then you know how bad things get when those firecrackers start to burst outside. It is impossible to keep your pet dog calm during this time of the year and the pollution makes things worse!

Although, there have been instances where dogs are accustomed to firecracker noise and don’t panic much during this festive season.

But if your happy-go-lucky dog begins to tremble, shake and bark more during the Diwali celebrations then it is a clear sign that your dog is afraid of fireworks. It’s really important to make them feel comfortable during this time of the year.

Here are a few tips that can help you take care of your pet dog:

• Take your dog out for a walk and get him/her to do plenty of activities, 2-3 hours before the Diwali celebrations. Don’t forget to feed them well after the exercise. A tired and well-fed dog will be less anxious during the fireworks.

• Make sure to bring your dog inside your house before the fireworks start, as loud noise from the bursting crackers can scare them and make them panic. Some dogs might act aggressively due to anxiety, while some may try to hide them in a silent isolated corner of the house. If they are trying to isolate themselves by hiding under the bed or in the washroom, let them. Don’t force them to come out or try to comfort them during this state.

• Close down all the doors and windows and turn up the volume of your music system or television to mask the sound of firecrackers.

• If in case your dogs’ get aggressive then try to distract them from the sounds of firecrackers by offering them their favorite treat.

• Try to keep your dogs in a room where outside noise interference is minimal. You may try covering the space below the doors with a cloth to minimize the sound of firecrackers from coming in.

• Distract your dog by giving him/her access to all of his/her favorite toys. Let them have a secluded corner in the house to play with toys.

• Do not firecrackers and light candles or diyas’ (earthen lamps) in close proximity to your dogs. Keep all fire-related stuff out of their reach.

• Make sure that your pup is wearing a tag with his name and your number so that in case your pet dog runs away in a panic or gets lost, you’ll be able to find them easily.

• Lastly, spend time with your dog during Diwali celebrations and keep them focused on you all the time.

We hope that these tips will help you take care of your pet dog during Diwali celebrations.

Apart from this, you can also help the community by providing shelter to stray dogs during this time. You can give them some space in your porch or garden and feed them too.

There have been too many cases of animal cruelty reported during this festival season. Promote healthy ways to celebrate this beautiful festival of lights. And let’s not make this a festival of noise!