Animal care experts weigh in on what you must do to ensure the festival of lights doesn’t turn into a festival of frights for the pets and strays under your care
Tags are a must: This could apply to both strays and pet dogs, says Dr Ankita Pathak, founder Animals Matter To Me (AMTM), an NGO that works for the welfare of animals. According to her, in the case of strays it is advisable to secure them with name tags and numbers at least a week in advance, to ensure their safety. "Strays tend to go into hiding as they are scared of the impending chaos that will unfold in the form of excessive smoke, lights and crackers. There are times when pets tend to escape too. For instance, say during Diwali, when a puja is on at home where you might light a fire, and the door is left open, chances are that your pet might want to try to escape. So, it's best if you secure them with name tags," Dr Pathak says. Always see under your vehicle before starting it, she adds. "Strays tend to hide there the most to escape the noise," she adds.
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Make your home as soundproof as possible: Keep doors and windows shut and play some soothing music to calm down your pet. The AMTM team has developed a music piece to cater to dogs exclusively. "We tested it on multiple dogs and identified musical elements that evokes soothing response from dogs," Dr Pathak says, adding that the team will be launching the same just ahead of Diwali. If you don't have access to proper music, then certified canine behaviorist and trainer, Varuna Kaur suggests keeping the TV on. "This reduces the noise from the outside and will make your dog feel much better. Most dogs tend to react to the firecracker odour. An air purifier helps in such cases."
Ear plugs and cotton wool: For older dogs especially, this is a must, Dr Pathak says. "They go through more anxiety as compared to younger dogs. Cotton wool stuffing or ear plugs will help dilute the volume that emanates from outside. Also, keep lots of water available. Animals don't tend to eat much when they are anxious, but they feel thirsty more frequently." In addition, keep a first aid kit handy and numbers of volunteers, NGOS and doctors to help strays in need in case they get burnt or injured.
Don't react: Kaur advises to keep as calm as possible during this season. "Don't react to the fireworks going off outside in anticipation of your dog's fear. If you are relaxed, your dog will be relaxed. Also, don't pacify your dog when he/she is already getting worried. It only reinforces the dog to think that being fearful is a good thing and they will continue to do so. Food at this time will also worsen the behavior. Let your dog be and stay relaxed."
Get away: "If your dog is extremely fearful and just cannot cope up with the noise, the best solution is to move out of the city for three to four days of Diwali and New Years. There are a lot of places around the city which are less noisier," Kaur says.
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