Diwali is the festival of lights, laughter, and celebration for humans. However, not all beings enjoy it as much as we do. Pets are members of the family too, so looking after their comfort and safety is a big responsibility for pet parents. And if you’re an animal lover, you would probably like to keep an eye out for your community animals too.
Dogs are very sensitive to loud noises, flashing lights, and a busy environment. It can be overwhelming and sometimes even painful for them. Therefore, they need a safe and supportive environment during Diwali to stay calm and manage their stress. Let us take you through some of the arrangements you can make to help them during Diwali —
How to take care of your dog before Diwali?
Preparation is key when you’re looking for a way to take care of your dog before Diwali. Here are some precautions you can take and arrangements you can make if you have a pup at home:
Soundproof your house:
This is a crucial step, although it may need some preparation. It is best if you can get a room professionally soundproofed for your pup, but if not, then the goal is to dull out the sound and noise as much as possible. You can use foam seal strips on your doors and windows to soundproof them, or fill the gaps in them with pieces of cloth. Make sure that the room you’re soundproofing has an AC or some kind of airflow system because you’ll have to keep the doors and windows locked to keep the noise at bay.
Prepare a safe zone for your dog:
Dogs tend to look for safe and comfortable nooks whenever they’re scared, so make one for them before Diwali. Take their doggy bed or crate and put it in a corner of the soundproofed room, keeping it as far away from the windows and door as possible. Keep their favourite toys, chews, blankets, and accessories in the corner, as well as a T-shirt or a few things that belong to you. This will then become a safe zone filled with all the things they love, which they can retreat into when things become too overwhelming. You can also get some pet-safe ear covers or muffs. If you’re decorating your house or using rangoli, make sure they are safe and non-toxic for dogs.
Try to stick to their schedule:
Pups thrive on schedules because they give them a sense of security and stability. Although this is a hectic time of the year, try to stick to their schedule as much as possible, even on the day of Diwali. Keep their meals light and follow their bathroom and physical activity routine as closely as possible. If going outside is not feasible, prepare a corner of the room so that they can do their business there. Try to take them out for physical exercise in the morning, and keep them engaged with mentally stimulating toys in the evening, such as a puzzle treat dispenser or chews.
Help your dog get used to noise:
This is called desensitisation training and can be very effective if done right. Just like us, dogs are also creatures of habit. They too categorise experiences into good and bad, and that’s what will help you in this experiment. On the days leading up to Diwali, introduce the sound of crackers in a low volume, and gradually increase it over time to a tolerable level. This will help them get familiar with the noise. When playing the noise, give them small treats frequently. This will help them associate the fireworks noise with a positive experience (or, at least, not an overtly negative one). Be gentle and gradual and take many breaks in between; do not increase the sound level to the point that it hurts your dog.
Make arrangements in case of an emergency:
Always stock up on your dog’s meds, if any, and other first aid supplies. These may include medicines and medical tools that will help in case of a burn, anxiety episode, allergies, etc. Keep the number of your regular vet as well as a few nearby vets and veterinary hospitals handy, and also keep track of pet helplines that are floated by different animal NGOs and foundations. Your pup’s ID tag must be up-to-date, in case they need to be given treatment. You can also consider microchipping them.
Schedule a vet visit:
Get a check-up done before Diwali so you can be prepared with specific medicines or supplies in case a new health condition has developed. You can also consult with the vet regarding giving calming aids, supplements, or medicines to manage their stress and anxiety. If you have any questions regarding your preparation, the vet’s office will also be able to help you with that.
How to take care of your dog during Diwali?
The day of Diwali is the real test, and it will reveal if your precautions worked. However, be prepared in case things don’t go as planned. Adjust your plans according to how your pet feels on the day of:
Reward your dog from time to time:
While we should not overfeed treats, on Diwali, especially in the evening, soothe them with small treats from time to time. For this, stock up on healthy food that your pup enjoys, such as little pieces of boiled chicken, carrots, pumpkin, blueberries, apples, or boiled eggs. Do not feed too much at once. This will help them keep calm and feel reassured and give you an opportunity to show that you are there for them through this stressful time.
Cuddle and reassure your dog often:
Pet them, give tummy scratches, or cuddle with them throughout the day. You are the one they trust the most, and your presence will help ground them when they’re feeling anxious or stressed. However, do not force them to cuddle. Sometimes, they will need their own space, so you can also spend some time talking to them in a soft, baby voice and reassure them with positive words that they recognise.
Introduce strangers gradually:
If you’re having a house party or your relatives have come over, it is important that you do not overwhelm them with strangers on a stressful day. Introduce them gradually after gauging if they’re up for it. In case they are reacting negatively to meeting new people, do not bring in strangers. This will ensure the safety of both your pup and your guests.
Do not leave your dog alone for long:
Leaving your dog alone on Diwali is a bad idea, because they will look to you for comfort when they are feeling anxious. You may have your own plans for the night, but as a responsible pet parent, you also need to think about their comfort. If you have to leave, make alternate arrangements. Ask someone they know and trust to stay with them/around them in case they need anything. If possible, also install a camera in the room they are in so you can monitor them whenever they are alone.
Do not feed them human Diwali food:
Humans have lavish Diwali feasts, with fried snacks, sweets, and spicy and rich food. However, these are extremely bad for your pup. So, no matter how much you want to celebrate this day with them, do not feed them anything from your Diwali special menu. Instead, get natural, healthy treats, or make new pet-safe recipes for them. Many of these human snacks and foods can not only upset their tummy but also be toxic for them, like chocolate and some types of dry fruits.
How to help street dogs during Diwali?
Pet dogs have the privilege of a safe home and caring guardians, but not all dogs are so lucky. Yet, the Diwali chaos affects them too, and they too deserve some kindness in this stressful and sometimes dangerous time. Here’s how you can support your community animals, whether or not you’re a pet parent:
Designate a quiet corner for them:
If you have a house of your own and have a garden, garage or porch, keep it accessible to street animals for a few nights. This safe corner can become the difference between life and death for them. If you live in a housing society, talk to your society’s association to see if they can designate a safe and low-footfall corner for community animals for a few days. Residents should all be notified and made aware of such arrangements and requested to keep away from these areas, especially if they are burning crackers.
Leave food and water for them:
If you know of feeding spots or have one near you, put some food and water out for them. Usually, streeties are too scared to go look for food during Diwali, and so they may have to go hungry. If there is some easily accessible food available, they can eat and quietly retire to a corner during all the noise and chaos.
Keep emergency numbers & first aid handy:
Many shelters, NGOs and foundations have helpline numbers during this time to assist scared or injured street animals. Collect these numbers and keep them handy. In case you find a street dog in need of help, call them for assistance. Keep a copy in your society office too, in case someone needs them. It is also a good idea to prepare a first aid kit as well, with basics like bandages, pet-safe burn ointment, etc.
Reflective collars & ID:
You can get reflective collars and tags for the community animals in your area. It is very common for street dogs to get overwhelmed or scared because of crowds or crackers. Sometimes, to run away from that, they dash across the street, endangering themselves in front of passing cars and people. Reflective material on them and some form of ID may help cars avoid running into them as well as shelters/hospitals send them back to their area after treatment in case they get injured.
Donate to animal shelters:
On Diwali, many of us make donations to charities and good causes. This Diwali, you can help animal shelters and NGOs look after community animals and help them by donating. Not all of us can actively help street animals physically, whether it be a lack of time or resources. However, supporting the care network for community animals can be of equal help so that these organisations are able to shelter them, feed them, vaccinate them, or treat them in case of injuries.
Looking to explore more healthy treats and care tips for your furry friend? Check out our other guides like Can Dogs Eat Apples?, Can Dogs Eat Blueberries?, Dog Food for Weight Loss, Raw v/s cooked meat for dogs, Home Remedies to cure tick fever, Finding Good Dog Food in India, How many times should I feed my dog?, Things you should do to keep your pet healthy, Types of Dog Food, and How Prebiotics and Probiotics can improve your dog's digestion. Each guide is designed to help you make better food choices for your dog because the right diet is what gives you a happy and thriving pup.
Resources:
https://dccpets.in/pet-care-blog/how-to-prepare-your-pet-for-diwali
