Keep your furry friends safe, happy this Diwali

Cracker sounds terrify animals, they get extremely scared and disoriented. The loud noise result in them howling, barking, running around aimlessly, faster respiratory rate, excessive salivation, vomiting and destroying things. Debaleena Ghosh writes how we can help them through this

CHENNAI: In addition, dogs are also sensitive to vibrations caused by loud noises. This is also the time when the maximum number of lost pets and injured animals are reported. Here are few tips which you can follow to protect not only your own pets, but also street animals.

Complete their walking and feeding schedule before the fireworks start.
Don’t tie up your pets, as it can hurt them while trying to escape out of fear. Do not leave them in compounds or on the terrace. Keep your pet inside when fireworks are going off.
Keep windows shut and curtains drawn to mask sounds and flashes.

You can try ear muffs or cotton, or else cover their ears with a soft cloth when the fireworks start.
Dogs react in two ways to stress — either they escape or they hide. Make sure there are no open doors for them to escape. Provide your pet with a suitable safe spot where he can hide and do not disturb them when they are in their safe space.
Turn up the volume on the television or radio to help mask the sounds of fireworks.
Keep your pet distracted by playing with them or giving them treats.

Plan a holiday away from the city during this time to ensure your pet isn’t stressed.
Don’t keep crackers near your dog – your pooch will most likely sniff or lick cracker materials which can lead to toxicity problems.
Do not rebuke your pet for being scared. Don’t force your pets to be close to sounds that are frightening. You will only end up frightening your pet even more, which results in aggression.

Ensure that your pets are wearing identification tags bearing your contact number. It will be a deciding factor in getting back your pet if lost.
Use the ‘wrapping technique’ that will help reduce stress and relieve tension by stimulating blood circulation. This is a simple home trick where you can wrap your pet using any soft fabric that will cover his back and chest area like a figure ‘8’, ending with a knot (refer to picture).
Think about street animals who do not have the privilege of a home. The atrocities they are subjected leaves them burned and injured. Street dogs are more susceptible to the harmful effects of Diwali. Provide a safe and suitable shelter — basements, garages and balconies work. Keep a bowl of water and food for them that can be easily reached.

Be vigilant against unscrupulous elements who tie crackers on their tails.
Do help with any kind of emergencies by keeping phone numbers of local dog shelters, vets and animal workers handy.
Make sure that whoever is about to light a cracker makes sure there are no animals near by. Startled and induced with fear, they may run into traffic and get injured.
Educate your neighbours and friends about the hazards of cracker bursting.
Reach out to local animal welfare organisations to help in any way that you can.
Keep an eye out for lost pets. If you see them, take them in and reach out for help, or keep them at home until they can be reunited with their families. Use social media to ask for help.
Instead of setting off ear-splitting fireworks, light up your house with animal-friendly diyas, lamps and other decorative items.

Street dogs need love too!

Last year, at least 40 house pets were found on roads confused and disoriented, far away from their homes post Diwali. Reuniting the pets with their desperate families is very rare due to the absence of a database and lack of name tags. Most of them end up at shelters, and the unlucky ones end up roaming the streets, going under the radar after a while. Please be vigilant and responsible not only for your own pet’s sake, but for all our furry friends