Crackers, increased pollution are side-effects of the festival of light that brightens nights and brings family together. While most people with asthma lock themselves inside and take extra care to avert getting an attack, the most tragic situation is for pets.
Traumatized by loud unpredictable sounds and flashing lights, pet dog feel jittery, wanting to escape the boisterous situation. Sadly, as there is no escape, they have fearful responses such as howling, barking, shivering and extreme salivation.
To ease them through this festive season, pet owners need to be extra careful and take some preventive measures. Talking about simple tips, veterinarian Dr Sandeep Nanavati said, “We need to be aware about smoke allergies of our pet and in either case, avoid long walks outside during festive season.”
He explained that one unexpected firework even during the day can leave the pet feeling jittery throughout the day and night. “Though it is tough to keep the pet inside and some pets might try to jump from window to escape, we should provide them with distraction,” Nanavati said.
Explaining how house can be made more comfortable for a pet, he talked about providing a free access safe spot. “The chosen spot can be turned into something more likeable if you provide your pet at that place with its favorite food,” Nanavati said.
Further, suggesting preventive measures, he suggested use of cotton balls. “Most pets, dogs specially have ten times more capacity to hear than human beings, so we can imagine how a cracker sounds to them,” veterinarian Dr Narendra Chouhan said.
He added that one can reduce the capacity by plugging cotton balls in ears but not too deep. “To balance and divert a pet’s attention, we should switch on television as pets are adjusted with its sound,” Chouhan said.
He elaborated that sudden noises can disturb a pet, but usual flowing noises help them stay calm. “During Diwali, the biggest danger for dogs is epilepsy as stress levels peak,” veterinarian Dr Bramha Prakash Shukla said.
He explained that like humans, many dogs suffer from epilepsy and loud sound is a trigger. “There are times when pets suddenly develop epilepsy because of loud sound or smoke,” Shukla said.
Symptoms of an attack include fall, contraction and foam from mouth. “In case of an attack, one should immediately rush to a vet,” Shukla said.
Essential tips
• Keep your pet in stress-free and happy environment especially during Diwali
• Increase protein in diet to provide them with strength to deal with situation
• Add egg and non vegetarian to pet’s diet
• Loud sounds can kill birds, so shift them to a quiet room
• Keep smoke away from your pets
• Plug cotton balls in ears of cats and dogs for reducing their exposure to noise
• Keep pets entertained with general activities and television
• Prefer early morning walks as the chance of busting crackers is least
Traumatized by loud unpredictable sounds and flashing lights, pet dog feel jittery, wanting to escape the boisterous situation. Sadly, as there is no escape, they have fearful responses such as howling, barking, shivering and extreme salivation.
To ease them through this festive season, pet owners need to be extra careful and take some preventive measures. Talking about simple tips, veterinarian Dr Sandeep Nanavati said, “We need to be aware about smoke allergies of our pet and in either case, avoid long walks outside during festive season.”
He explained that one unexpected firework even during the day can leave the pet feeling jittery throughout the day and night. “Though it is tough to keep the pet inside and some pets might try to jump from window to escape, we should provide them with distraction,” Nanavati said.
Explaining how house can be made more comfortable for a pet, he talked about providing a free access safe spot. “The chosen spot can be turned into something more likeable if you provide your pet at that place with its favorite food,” Nanavati said.
Further, suggesting preventive measures, he suggested use of cotton balls. “Most pets, dogs specially have ten times more capacity to hear than human beings, so we can imagine how a cracker sounds to them,” veterinarian Dr Narendra Chouhan said.
He added that one can reduce the capacity by plugging cotton balls in ears but not too deep. “To balance and divert a pet’s attention, we should switch on television as pets are adjusted with its sound,” Chouhan said.
He elaborated that sudden noises can disturb a pet, but usual flowing noises help them stay calm. “During Diwali, the biggest danger for dogs is epilepsy as stress levels peak,” veterinarian Dr Bramha Prakash Shukla said.
He explained that like humans, many dogs suffer from epilepsy and loud sound is a trigger. “There are times when pets suddenly develop epilepsy because of loud sound or smoke,” Shukla said.
Symptoms of an attack include fall, contraction and foam from mouth. “In case of an attack, one should immediately rush to a vet,” Shukla said.
Essential tips
• Keep your pet in stress-free and happy environment especially during Diwali
• Increase protein in diet to provide them with strength to deal with situation
• Add egg and non vegetarian to pet’s diet
• Loud sounds can kill birds, so shift them to a quiet room
• Keep smoke away from your pets
• Plug cotton balls in ears of cats and dogs for reducing their exposure to noise
• Keep pets entertained with general activities and television
• Prefer early morning walks as the chance of busting crackers is least