Diwali is a time for celebration, lights, and laughter, but for our pets, especially dogs, the festival can bring a lot of stress. The loud fireworks, sudden noises, and busy environment might be overwhelming, leaving them feeling uneasy and anxious. This year, instead of just lighting up your home, light up your pet’s world by using these Diwali specific pet relaxation techniques.

1. Desensitise your dogs to loud noises

Many pet owners like to expose their animals and birds to ‘small doses of noise’. While it may help the pets in accepting this mayhem temporarily, many animal psychologists are not sure about the long-term effects of this practice. All animals will react differently to this form of ‘immunisation’.

2. Tire them out

A tired dog is a good dog, goes the saying and it’s true. As Diwali comes, increase the playtime for your dog or take them on longer walks. This tires them out and a tired dog is usually calm and not bothered by things. But make sure to take them out before fireworks begin so by the time dusk falls they are already exhausted and ready to sleep. Also remember, don’t overtire them, this will make them crabby. When you feel they are getting exhausted, stop there.

3. Create a safe, soothing place for pets

Our neighbours are not going to stop lighting firecrackers during Diwali just because we have pets. The most obvious response to this kind of situation is to make our homes as soundproof as possible. Pad up your rooms by rolling out heavy carpets. If you have heavy curtains, cover your windows with them. Close all doors and windows and wait for the crackers to start. Do not shut yourself away from your pet. Make them see you at all times so that they feel a sense of comfort. Play with them, keep them occupied, and show them more love than you usually do.

4. Don’t confine your dog

Create a particular safe space for them but don’t restrict them from moving around. Confining your dog to one place might make them even more stressful. Give them access to multiple places so they can choose where they feel the safest. They might also change places many times depending on their comfort level.

5. Get ear covers

Many pet shops sell ear covers for dogs and cats. These covers can be wrapped around your doggy’s ears and you can just hope that they don’t get disturbed by all those bombs and crackers going off outside. If you can’t find ear covers in a pet shop, you can create your own using scraps of unused cloth.

6. Distract with music

If you don’t want to put ear covers or your pet isn’t comfortable, playing their favourite TV show might distract them. Calming music also helps your pet feel less stressed out. Many such playlists are available on Spotify and YouTube to help your dog to feel at ease. Make sure to introduce these in advance, so your dog becomes habitual.

7. Put a collar with identification

Sometimes out of extreme anxiety and fear of firecrackers, dogs tend to run away from homes during Diwali. And many of them never return. Along all the precautions you have taken, also tie a collar with your contact number on it. So, even if your dog runs away in a frenzy, someone will contact you, helping you getting your dog back.

8. Consult an animal behaviour specialist

Your pets demonstrate different behaviour in different situations. For example, your bird may react in a particular way when a visitor comes. Their reaction may change when someone rings your doorbell. Studying and mapping different behaviour patterns of your pets will help the animal counsellor figure out how you can make Diwali peaceful for your pets.

9. Try medication, if your pets really need it

One of the least appreciated techniques to soothe your pet is to administer medicines. There are specific injections and medicines which help pets, especially dogs, to calm down in noisy situations. Please note that while such medicines may calm your pet down, they should not get addicted to this remedy. Frequent use of drugs and chemicals may make your pet unwell. Consult a veterinarian before taking this step.

Have a wonderful, dog-friendly Diwali this year with these pet relaxation techniques.

Featured Image Source

Related: Animal Welfare Organisations: 7 Places Where You Can Volunteer And Help Save Animals