Deepavali is a festival of lights, food, festivity and fun but it can be traumatising for your pet animal that wouldn’t understand head or tail, quite literally, of what’s going on.
Chennai:
Alternative healing experts in the city who have faced similar situations of trying to pacify a frantic dog or cat during this festival share what can be done to help your four-legged companions stay calm and safe.
Place a ball of cotton in their ears; don’t stuff the cotton too deep into the ear canal and be sure to remove after the cracker noise has died down. Covering the animal with a quilt can also help.
Try to soundproof a room as much as possible and sit by your pet’s side. If your dog or cat is hiding under the bed or sofa, do not forcefully pull them outside.
If you need to take your dog for a walk, ensure it’s safe and silent (either before or after the celebrations begin). Avoid your pet sniffing or chewing on half-burnt or used crackers.
Add three-four drops of Bach flower remedies like Mimulus or Cherry Plum to a bowl of clean water and try to get your pet to drink it. This will help reduce stress and anxiety. You can repeat this with a gap of a few hours if your pet is still scared.
Crackers are harmful to animals and the environment so if you can, avoid bursting crackers altogether — this is the best gesture to show your pets that you truly care for them.