Pet care during Diwali

It is that time of the year when we all are busy shopping and preparing for Diwali. But it is also that time of the year when you need to be extra cautious about your pets.

Diwali is a festival of light, but unfortunately people have made it a noisy festival. And for our dear pets it is nothing but sheer trauma. It is normal for pets to be uncomfortable and irritated because of the unwanted noise and chaos.

Following are some tips that would help you take good care of your pet during this festive season.

1.     Golden Rule – Never leave your furry buddy alone.

2.  Spend enough time with your little one. Attending Diwali parties, visiting friends and family and shopping…well apart from all of these, it is essential to spend some quality time with your pet to avoid them feeling neglected.

3.    Follow your pet’s routine stringently. Guests and parties are important, but your pet is most important.

4.    Take your pet for a walk during daylight hours.

5.   Keep doors and windows closed, especially of your pet’s room. It is a good idea to keep the curtains drawn as well.

6.    Don’t be heartless and leave them in the balcony or in courtyards. They get traumatized by the noise.

7.   It is a good idea to play some background music or leave the TV switched on in your pet’s room to reduce the effect of outdoor unwanted noise.

8.     Don’t burst crackers in front or near your pet.

9.   Their puppy eye expressions can melt your heart in a jiffy! But don’t let the trick work. ‘DO NOT’ feed your pooch the Diwali mithai, chocolate and dry fruit.

10.  Don’t punish the pet for being frightened or tensed.

11.  If your pet hides in a specific corner of the house or under a sofa, let them be. Forcing them out would be even more stressful.

12.  Distract your pet by indulging a happy play session or an extended grooming session. Also pamper them with some extra doses of treats and chewy bones.

13.  Ensure that you are extra careful when you take your dog for a walk the morning post Diwali. Half burnt crackers can be very dangerous.

14.  Licking and even sniffing burnt fire crackers can lead to toxicity, hold your pet tightly leashed and don’t let them wander here and there.

15.  Talk to your vet and if need the vet would prescribe medicines that would help keep the pet calm. Although in most cases this is not required.

So this Diwali, don’t burn hearts… and don’t burn crackers! Have a happy and pet friendly Diwali!