Even though the supreme court has put a ban on fireworks and restricted the timing to only 2 hours, we all know how the day is going to go down. There will be people bursting crackers and causing pollution nevertheless. However, it is our responsibility to protect the ones we love. Our Pets.
Since animals can hear decibels we cannot, they are often stressed and build up anxiety. The festive season is when the number of dogs that go missing peak. So here are a few tips and techniques you can use to help your pets feel safe.
1. Take your dog out for a walk before the fireworks begin. Preferably early in the morning or before sunset. Once you are back from the walk, feed and keep hydrated. A tired and well-fed dog has fewer chances of being anxious.
2. Shut all the doors and windows, use thick curtains to muffle the noise and keep the house well lit. This will help cut out the light and noise from outside.
3. Distract them. If your pets relate to certain music or some show on TV, make sure you put it on and give them company. Keep the volume loud enough to drown out the sound from outside, but not too loud to make them worry.
4. Prepare the house. Apart from closing doors and windows and covering them with thick curtains, prepare a safe corner for your pet where they can relax. Give them toys they like, and cushion the floor with mattresses or pillows to cut out the vibrations from the loud noises.
5. Keep your pets engaged. Play with them, talk to them and be normal with them. Being over attentive to them might encourage their behavior and make them more sensitive to the situation.
6. Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with an ID. The name it responds to, your phone number and address. This will ensure that even if your pet runs away because they’re scared, you can always find them.
7. Pet-Proof your apartment. Keep all breakable items away and make sure they don’t come in contact with any fireworks, candles or diyas.
8. Know your pet. If you know that they tend to get very scared or anxious, make sure you take them to a vet a day or two before Diwali. Ask the vet to prescribe them to some sedatives or anxiety relieving medicines. These medicines often have no side effects and are safe. They will make sure your pets are not troubled.
9. Hydration is key. Always make sure that your pet has access to clean drinking water. Keep a bowl of water in their safe space even if they regularly have a different spot to eat and drink. This will keep them calm.
10. Check on your pets after the crackers have ended. Reassure that they are safe and it’s over now. Sweep your yard the area where they can go once before you let them out. Make sure to check for burnt pieces of fireworks or anything that can harm them.
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