Diwali, the festival of lights, is a time of immense joy and celebration in India. However, amidst the vibrant fireworks and the joyful atmosphere, it’s crucial to remember our furry friends, both pets at home and stray animals, who might find the festival season distressing. The deafening noise of firecrackers, along with the air pollution, can have detrimental effects on the physical and mental well-being of our beloved companions. In this blog post, we will explore the special care that needs to be taken medically for pets and stray animals during the Diwali festival season. Pet Safety in India becomes very crucial during these times.
Noise and Anxiety Management
The loud bangs and constant noise of fireworks can be terrifying for pets. Dogs, cats, and other animals have sensitive hearing, which makes them more susceptible to anxiety during this time. To help your pets cope with the noise, consider the following:
a. Create a Safe Space: Designate a quiet, comfortable room in your house where your pets can retreat during the festivities. Add their favorite toys and bedding to make them feel secure.
b. Anti-Anxiety Medications: Consult with your veterinarian regarding safe anti-anxiety medications or supplements for your pet, if needed. These can help alleviate stress during the noisy Diwali nights.
c. Thunder shirts and Calming Aids: Products like Thunder shirts and calming pheromone diffusers can help reduce anxiety and provide comfort to your pets.
Air Quality Concerns
Air pollution levels tend to skyrocket during the Diwali season, and this can have adverse effects on both pets and stray animals. Here’s how you can protect them:
a. Keep Them Indoors: Ensure your pets are indoors during peak pollution hours, and keep windows and doors closed. Use air purifiers to maintain better air quality inside.
b. Pet Masks: Some pet-specific masks are available that can help protect your pets from inhaling harmful pollutants when they need to go outside.
c. Stay Informed: Keep track of local air quality reports and follow any advisories to keep your pets safe.
Firework Injuries
Firecrackers can cause severe injuries to pets. To prevent accidents:
a. Supervise Outdoor Time: If your pet needs to go outside, always supervise them, even in a fenced yard, to prevent them from ingesting or stepping on dangerous materials.
b. Pet Identification: Ensure your pets have proper identification (collars with tags or microchips) in case they become frightened and run away.
c. Emergency Kit: Have a pet first-aid kit on hand, and know how to address minor injuries. In case of serious injury, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Food Safety
During Diwali, there’s a surplus of festive treats, sweets, and rich foods. Some of these can be toxic to pets. We need to ensure the highest level of Pet Safety during these times.
a. No Sweets or Chocolates: Keep sweets and chocolates out of your pets’ reach, as these can be harmful. Chocolate, in particular, is toxic to dogs.
b. Avoid Bones: Do not feed pets cooked bones, which can splinter and cause injuries.
c. Watch for Allergies: If you’re treating your pets with special Diwali food, be cautious of any allergic reactions and keep an eye on their digestion.
Stray Animal Care
In the spirit of compassion, let’s not forget about the stray animals during Diwali:
a. Provide Shelter: Consider placing boxes, blankets, or straw in sheltered areas for stray animals to seek refuge from the noise and cold.
b. Water and Food: Leave out some fresh water and food for the hungry and thirsty strays. You can also contact local animal welfare organizations for assistance.
c. Report Injuries: If you come across an injured stray animal, contact local animal rescue or veterinary services to help them.
Conclusion
Diwali is a time of happiness and togetherness, but it’s our responsibility to ensure that this festive season is enjoyable for our pets and doesn’t bring harm to stray animals. Let’s keep Pet safety & stray safety as a top priority this year. By taking these medical and safety precautions, we can make Diwali a stress-free and joyful time for our beloved companions. Remember, a little care goes a long way in ensuring the well-being of our furry friends during the Festival of Lights. Let’s celebrate Diwali with compassion and responsibility.
Utpal Khot
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