Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most important and popular festivals in India. It is a time for celebration, feasting, and family gatherings. However, amidst the dazzling festivities, there exists a silent concern that tugs at the hearts of pet parents - the safety and well-being of our beloved pets.

It's vital to remember that Diwali can pose unforeseen dangers to our pets. The stunning displays of light can bewilder and distress them. 

As a pet parent, it is important to take steps to ensure your pet's safety and well-being during Diwali. Both dogs and cats suffer from the same perils during this festival so it is a time for everyone to be considerate of the animals around them.

In this blog, we will discuss the precautions and measures you can take as pet parents to ensure your pet’s happiness and well-being during this festival of lights and prosperity.

Diwali is dangerous for pets for a number of reasons:

• Loud noises and bright lights: The loud noises and bright lights of fireworks can be very stressful for pets. Pets may become anxious, restless, and destructive. They may also try to hide or run away.

  
  

• Fireworks: Fireworks can cause burns and other injuries to pets. Pets may also be poisoned if they eat fireworks or fireworks residue.

  
  

• Diwali sweets and other foods: Diwali sweets and other foods, such as diyas and candles, can be toxic to pets. If ingested, they can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and other health problems.

  
  
• Increased traffic: During Diwali, there is increased traffic on the roads. This can be dangerous for pets, especially if they are not used to being around a lot of cars.

Diwali is a time for celebration and festivities, but it can also be a stressful time for pets. The loud noises, bright lights, and unfamiliar smells of Diwali can cause pets to become anxious and stressed. If you have a pet, it is important to take steps to keep them calm and comfortable during Diwali.

Provide a safe and quiet place for your pet to stay. This could be a crate, a closet, or a bathroom. Make sure the space is comfortable and has plenty of bedding.

Play calming music or turn on the TV to help mask the noise of fireworks. There are also many apps and websites that offer calming music specifically for pets.

Consider using a pheromone diffuser or spray to help reduce stress and anxiety. Pheromones are natural chemicals that animals use to communicate with each other. Pheromone diffusers and sprays can help to create a calming environment for your pet.

If your pet has severe anxiety, consult a vet about medication options. There are a number of medications that can be used to help reduce anxiety in pets.

We all know that one of the things Diwali can be infamous for is the excessive use of firecrackers during this festival. The use of these pollution-causing firecrackers is a pet safety hazard. The loud noises and bright lights of fireworks can trigger anxiety and fear in dogs and cats, and some pets may even run away or injure themselves in an attempt to escape the noise.

There are a few things you can do to protect your pet from the dangers of fireworks during Diwali:

• Keep your dog indoors as much as possible. This is the best way to protect your dog from the noise and smoke of fireworks. If you have a backyard, make sure it is secure so that your dog cannot escape.

  
  

• If you must take your dog outside, keep them on a leash and avoid areas where fireworks are being set off. If you see or hear fireworks, try to find a quiet place to shelter with your dog.

  
  

• If your dog gets scared of fireworks, try to stay calm and reassure them. You can talk to them in a soothing voice and pet them gently. You may also want to put on some calming music or turn on the TV to help mask the noise of fireworks.

  
  
• Never leave your dog at home unattended outside during Diwali. Dogs who are scared of fireworks may try to run away or injure themselves.

In addition to the dangers of fireworks, there are a number of other Diwali hazards that pet parents need to be aware of. Here are some dog care tips that will help you keep your pet out of harm’s way-

1. Food safety: One of the biggest dangers to pets during Diwali is food. Many traditional Diwali sweets and snacks are harmful foods to animals, including chocolate, raisins, grapes, and macadamia nuts. Even if your pet doesn't eat a lot of these foods, it can still make them sick.

To keep your pet safe, avoid giving them any Diwali sweets or snacks. If you have guests over, be sure to put away any food that could be harmful to your pet. You may also want to consider putting your pet in a separate room during Diwali festivities to prevent them from getting into any trouble.

2. Open flames: Diwali is a time for candles, diyas, and other open flames. While these flames can create a beautiful and festive atmosphere, they can also be dangerous to pets. Curious pets may be tempted to investigate the flames, which could lead to burns or even fires.

To keep your pet safe, keep all open flames out of reach. If you must use candles or diyas, place them in high places where your pet can't reach them. You may also want to consider using battery-operated candles or diyas instead.

3. Increased traffic: Diwali is also a time for increased traffic. With more people on the roads, it's important to be extra careful when walking your dog. Be sure to keep your dog on a leash and avoid busy streets. You may also want to consider using a reflective vest or harness for your dog to make them more visible to drivers.

Amid all the loud noises, flashing lights, and toxic substances despite your best efforts to protect your pet from all of it, they may get exposed to something harmful and get sick. So, in this case it becomes essential to know what to do in order to give them the best help they need. 

If your pet gets lost or injured:

• Stay calm. It can be difficult to stay calm when you're worried about your pet, but it's important to do so. If you panic, your pet will only become more anxious.

  
  

• Assess the situation. Is your pet bleeding heavily? Are they having trouble breathing? If so, you need to get them to a vet immediately.

  
  

• If your pet's injuries are minor, you can try to treat them at home. Clean the wound with soap and water and apply a bandage. If the wound is bleeding, you can try to stop the bleeding by applying pressure with a clean cloth.

  
  
• Once you've treated your pet's injuries, take them to the vet for a checkup. Even if the injuries seem minor, it's important to have them checked out by a professional to make sure there are no underlying complications.

If your pet shows any signs of illness:

• The most common signs of illness in dogs during Diwali are vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy. If your dog shows any of these signs, it's important to take them to the veterinarian immediately. Observing and looking out for these signs is an extremely important part of optimal dog care.

  
  
• Other signs of illness that you should be aware of include:

1. Loss of appetite
2. Difficulty breathing
3. Pale gums
4. Increased thirst
5. Fever
6. Coughing or sneezing

If you notice any of these signs in your dog, please take them to the vet immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for a good prognosis.

As the joyous festival of Diwali approaches, it's essential to recognize that while it brings delight and celebration for us humans, it can be a time of great stress and peril for our furry friends. Your pets rely on you to ensure their safety and well-being during this festive season.

By following the guidance provided in this article, you can take proactive steps to ensure your pet's safety and well-being during Diwali, making it a more peaceful and harmonious experience for both you and your beloved animal companions. Remember, a safe and happy pet is a reflection of responsible and caring pet parenting.

Share these tips with fellow pet parents and let's collectively make Diwali a time of joy for all, including our four-legged family members. Together, we can create a festival filled with love, light, and the comforting presence of our cherished pets. Wishing you and your furry companions a happy and safe Diwali!