Are these common sights around your home during Diwali? Do you feel varying degrees of anger (at people bursting crackers), frustration (because no matter what you do your fur-baby does not stop quivering) and a bunch of equally negative emotions?
You are not alone. All of us who share / have shared our lives with pets go through these every Diwali / Christmas / Holi / Uttarayan / Weddings… basically every time people can find a reason to burst crackers to “EXPRESS” their joy.
Unfortunately, because of this, Diwali the festival of lights and joy is anything but, for most of us.
But it isn’t as if all is lost, you can make Diwali truly happy for everyone… it just takes some time and planning.
We spoke to a few veterinarians, scoured the internet and created a compilation of tips for you to make this Diwali (and every cracker riddled festival) a truly joyous event for your fur-babies and you.
Let’s get cracking (bad pun, unintended)
Take a Vacation
No, seriously. If you can swing it pack your bags and your fur babies and take off to quieter climes. All of you will come back relaxed and happy. Win-win all along.
You have my envy, work and other responsibilities make it impossible for me to ever travel more than a few kilometers during Diwali
Create a Safe Haven
Create a 'nesting' spot for your pet. Away from windows, in a quiet corner of the house. Place a soft bed, crate, blankets, favorite toys, an old shirt of yours, favorite treats, anything that comforts your pet. Set this up a few days in advance and introduce your pet to it. So, when he/she needs it, they know where to head.
The cats have their hiding spots, where they disappear to well before the mayhem starts. Cookie and her FOMO always has her scuttling/diving in her 'chair-pillow-sheets-clothes cave right after the 'festivities' have begun.
Desensitize your Pet
A few days before the festival recreate the sights, sounds and smells of Diwali in a controlled manner. Begin gently and work your way up. This way you can try and desensitize your pet. But please observe your pet carefully. If he/she shows signs of discomfort or fear, abandon the idea, don't try to force them to get used to it.
It has worked like a charm for my cats. Also helps my Cookie through weddings and when the booms and bangs are shorter in duration and not exactly surround sound levels. Diwali, not so much.
Play White Music
Consider leaving the Television (TV) or Radio or a fan anything that might mask the noise of firecrackers. There are pet calming specific classical music available of Amazon Music, Spotify and some other music apps that have been found to help calm scared pets. Classical pieces like 'Through a Dog's Ear' and 'Through a Cat's Ear' are extremely popular. But just anything that your pet enjoys will do the trick.
Mine loves Western Classical! Why??? I have no clue. But Mozart, Chopin, Bach and Bethoven (yes in that order) calm her down when all my kisses and affirmations have zero effect.
Speak with your Vet
Talk to your veterinarian. He/She will be able to teach you how to best take care of your pet, if not, direct you in the right direction at the very least. You might, with your doctor's approval, consider using one of the many calming products (spot-on applications, tablets, and such) now available in the market.
Quite a few of clients at the clinic have used calming aids for their pets. Most have found them to be extremely effective, especially when used in conjunction with other things like creating a safe haven and playing white music.
Comfort your Pet
During the evenings when the cracker-bursting is in full swing, stay with your pet. Just your presence can be a huge comfort during this time.
If you cannot be with him/her leave them with people, they know and trust in a place that they are comfortable and familiar with. Leaving them in a new place with strangers can make the experience traumatic.
We wish you and your Fur-Baby a Happy Diwali
These are some things you may do to make the festival, a little easier on your pet's ears and psych. But they might not. But don't fret, because your pet is a very sensitive creature, attuned to your moods and feelings and your discomfort will cause them more stress.