Don’t you wish you could reassure your dog when the fireworks start up? Try these tips
Pic/iStock
Most pet parents feel anxious during Diwali because of the accompanying fireworks that cause distress in pets, particularly dogs whose ears are sensitive to loud sounds. Those who can afford the time and cost, take their pets to a quiet resort or homestay far from the city’s noise. But for those who need to live with the decibels, here are some ways to help your dogs deal with Diwali.
Dog behaviourist Maitri Jadhav (IG@maitris_ark) says she usually suggests thunder wraps, ear muffs, and playing soft music in the house to her dog-parent clients. Lavender mist can help to calm; also, create a safe room or space that is most noise-proof, and watch out for self-harming behaviours which can start as excessive licking or scratching, she adds. Make sure the dogs are well fed and hydrated earlier than the peak cracker bursting time. “If the dog is already anxious and has big feelings about everything, then prescribed medication can help,” says Jadhav. She adds, “Don’t make them get rid of this fear because we have to remember that their senses are far more heightened.”
This dog swaddle technique can help calm anxious dogs. Pic/IG@hcccrescue
What you can try:
. A thunder shirt – which is a wide sort of harness – from most pet stores online. In case you are unable to get one, you can use a long strip of cloth to wrap around your dog as the illustration shows, for much the same effect.
. Pet stores also stock noise-out hoodies, which can cover your dog’s ears and help reduce the sound impact.
. You can also use an anti-anxiety supplement which your vet can recommend, or a calming spray from a pet store, but you will need to use these in advance of the noise starting up.
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