Protecting Dogs During Diwali: A Guide to Keeping Your Pet Calm and Helping Street Dogs
Dogs have heightened senses, particularly hearing, which makes the sounds and flashes from fireworks feel overwhelming and, at times, life-threatening. Here’s a breakdown of how Diwali impacts their physical and mental well-being
10/31/20245 min read
Protecting Dogs During Diwali: A Guide to Keeping Your Pet Calm and Helping Street Dogs
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, brings joy, family gatherings, and a dazzling display of fireworks. But while humans enjoy the festivities, Diwali can be extremely distressing for dogs. Both pets and street dogs experience fear and anxiety from the loud noises, bright lights, and increased activity. In this guide, we’ll discuss the effects of Diwali on dogs, practical ways to keep your pet safe and calm, and steps you can take to protect street dogs from the distress of loud celebrations.
How Diwali Celebrations Affect Dogs
Dogs have heightened senses, particularly hearing, which makes the sounds and flashes from fireworks feel overwhelming and, at times, life-threatening. Here’s a breakdown of how Diwali impacts their physical and mental well-being:
1. Physical Health Effects
Hearing Damage: Dogs hear frequencies that humans cannot, and loud sounds like fireworks can cause ear pain and potential hearing damage.
Respiratory Distress: The smoke from fireworks can irritate a dog’s respiratory tract, especially in breeds with breathing difficulties, such as Pugs and Bulldogs.
Heart Rate and Stress Levels: The loud, unexpected sounds trigger dogs’ fight-or-flight response, leading to increased heart rate, trembling, and stress-related health issues.
2. Mental and Behavioral Impacts
Anxiety and Phobias: Fireworks can create intense fear, resulting in a fearful association with similar sounds, known as noise phobia.
Destructive Behavior: In their attempt to escape or cope, dogs may display destructive behavior, like chewing on furniture, digging, or scratching doors.
Social Withdrawal: Dogs often retreat to isolated places to hide, and chronic exposure to noise anxiety can lead to social withdrawal, even around family.
3. Long-term Digestive Issues
High levels of anxiety can disrupt a dog’s digestive system, leading to reduced appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea. Long-term anxiety can cause a lasting impact on a dog’s health, leading to digestive sensitivity and weight loss.
Practical Tips for Keeping Your Pet Dog Safe During Diwali
Diwali doesn’t have to be a fearful experience for your dog. Here are some practical tips to keep your pet safe and calm amidst the loud celebrations:
1. Designate a Safe and Quiet Space
Create a room in your home where your dog can retreat to feel safe. Equip the area with familiar items like their bed, blankets, and favorite toys. Try to make this space as soundproof as possible by keeping windows and doors closed and placing heavy curtains or blankets over windows.
2. Block Out Sound and Light
Close windows, doors, and curtains to reduce noise and block out flashing lights. If possible, use thick curtains or blankets around the doors and windows to further reduce the impact. Running a fan or a white noise machine in the room can also help mask outside sounds.
3. Provide Distractions
Engage your dog with toys, treats, and interactive play. Puzzle toys and chew toys can keep them focused and distracted from the sounds outside. Providing something to occupy their attention helps redirect their energy toward positive engagement rather than anxiety.
4. Comfort and Reassurance
Spend time near your dog to offer comfort, but try to stay calm yourself, as dogs can sense your anxiety. Use a gentle, soothing voice, and pet them if it helps them feel safe. Avoid overreacting to their distress, as excessive attention may reinforce their anxiety around loud sounds.
5. Calming Aids and Medications
Calming aids, such as pheromone sprays and anxiety wraps, are designed to reduce stress in dogs. In cases of severe anxiety, consult your veterinarian for medication options that can help your dog remain calm during the celebration. Thundershirts, which apply gentle pressure, can also be effective in comforting anxious dogs.
6. Exercise and Stimulation Pre-Celebration
Take your dog for a walk or engage in active playtime before the peak hours of celebration. Physical exercise can help tire them out, making them more relaxed and likely to rest as fireworks begin.
Protecting Street Dogs During Diwali
Street dogs often suffer the most during Diwali due to their lack of shelter and protection. Here are some ways to help keep stray dogs safe and comfortable:
1. Set Up Temporary Shelters
If you can, set up temporary shelters or cover areas for street dogs near your home where they can hide from the noise. Cardboard boxes with blankets provide a sense of security and help reduce their exposure to the sounds and lights.
2. Provide Food and Water in Safe Areas
Loud sounds often drive street dogs away from their usual locations, causing them to miss meals. Providing food and water in quiet, sheltered areas can help keep them nourished and hydrated throughout the festivities.
3. Discourage Fireworks Near Stray Dogs
Spread awareness in your community and discourage people from setting off fireworks near areas where street dogs take shelter. Encouraging quiet zones or open spaces away from residential areas can help reduce stress for both pets and strays.
4. Alert Animal Welfare Organizations
Many animal welfare organizations run special operations during Diwali to help strays. Reach out to local animal welfare groups to see if they have provisions or volunteer opportunities for Diwali safety measures.
Managing Long-Term Anxiety in Dogs
If your dog suffers from chronic noise anxiety or has previously reacted negatively to loud sounds, consider these long-term anxiety management techniques to make future celebrations easier.
1. Desensitization Training
Gradual desensitization involves exposing your dog to recordings of fireworks sounds at low volumes and slowly increasing the volume over time. This helps them adapt to loud noises without feeling threatened.
2. Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy, guided by a certified animal behaviorist, can help dogs develop coping mechanisms for handling stressful environments. Techniques such as counterconditioning teach dogs to associate positive outcomes with loud sounds, reducing their stress over time.
3. Calming Supplements
Supplements with natural calming properties, such as chamomile, L-theanine, or valerian root, can help reduce your dog’s anxiety. However, always consult your vet before giving any supplements to ensure they’re safe for your dog.
4. Safe, Calming Activities
Engaging in safe, calming activities like gentle massage or playtime with interactive toys can help reduce your dog’s stress levels. Regular play and physical exercise also improve overall mental well-being, making it easier for dogs to handle stressful situations.
Choosing a Compassionate Diwali Celebration
The joys of Diwali can coexist with compassion for animals. Here are some ways to enjoy a quieter, pet-friendly Diwali:
Opt for Silent or Eco-Friendly Fireworks: Choose silent fireworks, which reduce the noise but still allow you to enjoy the beauty of the festival.
Use LED Lights Over Crackers: LED lights and lanterns offer a safe, beautiful alternative to noisy fireworks, allowing you to celebrate Diwali with light and color without frightening animals.
Encourage Your Community to Be Pet-Aware: Talk to friends, family, and neighbors about considering pets and stray animals during Diwali. Community-wide awareness and action can lead to more pet-friendly celebrations.
Conclusion: Celebrate Diwali with Love and Care for All Animals
While Diwali is a time of joy for us, it’s essential to consider how our celebrations affect dogs, both pets and strays. By taking small steps, such as creating a safe space, providing calming aids, and encouraging a quieter celebration, we can ensure that our dogs feel loved and protected during the festivities.
At Dogwala, we believe in a compassionate Diwali that respects our pets and the animals around us. Protecting pets and street dogs alike during this festival of lights can make the occasion enjoyable for everyone, fostering a community of kindness and care. This Diwali, let’s commit to being mindful of our animal friends, ensuring that the celebration is a peaceful one for all.