A Pet-Friendly Diwali: Keeping Your Furry Friends Safe and Happy during Diwali!

Diwali, the festival of lights, is one of the most joyous celebrations in India. However, for pet parents, it can be a stressful time as pets, especially dogs and cats, often struggle with the loud noises and disruptions caused especially by fireworks. Fortunately, with a little planning and consideration, you can celebrate a pet-friendly Diwali that keeps your pets safe, calm, and even allows them to partake in the festivities.

First lets understand what happens to our pets with all these loud cracker sounds. 

Many pets, primarily dogs and cats as we know, have heightened sensitivity to loud noises like fireworks. So they can hear them much louder than a human can. And thus, any cracker sound can cause major distress among them. The sudden loud noise which might just startle us, can cause anxiety & stress amongst these furry friends. They can experience extreme physical pressure causing them to urinate indoors, drool excessively, or others. The combination of loud noises and flashing lights can disorient pets, making them want to run and escape, sometimes resulting in them getting lost. 

So lets dig  into how we can celebrate this festival of lights and colours inclusive of our furry friends

A pet-friendly Diwali is all about minimising stress for your pets and ensuring they feel safe amidst the celebrations. Here are some tips:

• Quiet & Calm Environment: Set up a quiet, comfortable space indoors where your pet can retreat when they feel overwhelmed. Close windows and curtains to muffle the sound of fireworks, and consider playing calming music to drown out the noise.
• Keep Your Pet Indoors: This is the most important step. Fireworks and crowds can cause anxiety, and your pet may try to run away in panic. Keeping them indoors in a familiar environment will help them feel secure.
• Use Pet-Safe Products: Diwali often means lighting diyas or candles. Ensure any decorations or products you use are safe for pets, avoiding anything that could easily tip over or cause harm. Opt for LED diyas or battery-operated lights to eliminate the risk of burns or accidents.

 Sweets for Your Pets: Including Them in the Festivities

Diwali means lots of sweets and treats, and while we all love indulging, it’s important to remember that not all human food is safe for pets. Luckily, there are pet-friendly treats you can prepare or purchase, so they can join in the fun without compromising their health. Lets watch for some pet safe sweets like dog friendly laddoos or desserts. And we should check on their portion sizes too to make sure we don’t over indulge our pets into these treats.

Recipe Ideas for Pet-Friendly Diwali Sweets

If you love making sweets at home, why not whip up some pet-friendly Diwali treats? Here are a couple of easy recipes to spoil your pet this festive season:

• Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits
  Ingredients:
• 2 cups whole wheat flour (or rice flour for gluten-free)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened peanut butter (make sure it’s free of xylitol)
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 egg
• Directions:
  Mix all ingredients together to form a dough. Roll out the dough and cut it into fun shapes using cookie cutters. Bake at 180°C for about 20 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown. Let them cool before serving to your dog.

• Pumpkin-Coconut Dog Treats
  Ingredients:
• 1/2 cup cooked pumpkin (unsweetened)
• 1/2 cup coconut flour
• 1 egg
• Directions:
  Combine the pumpkin, coconut flour, and egg. Roll into small balls and press down slightly. Bake at 160°C for 25 minutes. These treats are a great source of fiber and nutrients!

Alternatives to Firecrackers: Celebrate Without the Noise

If you love celebrating Diwali with fireworks but also want to keep it safe for your pets and the environment, here are some alternatives:

• Silent Fireworks: Yes, they exist! Silent fireworks are designed to produce spectacular light shows without the loud bangs that traditional fireworks create. These are a great option for a pet-friendly Diwali.
• Laser Light Shows: Swap out fireworks for a vibrant laser light show. These can be just as visually stunning without the noise and pollution.
• LED Lanterns: Instead of firecrackers, release eco-friendly LED lanterns into the sky. They create a magical atmosphere without the noise or potential harm to animals and the environment.

Conclusion

Celebrating a pet-friendly Diwali means being mindful of your pet’s needs while still embracing the festive spirit in full swing. Creating a safe environment, offering them delicious treats, and opting for quieter alternatives to fireworks, you can ensure your furry friends feel just as special during Diwali. Let this festival of lights be one of joy, safety, and love for both humans and pets alike! Happy Diwali!