The
emotional bond that owners have with their pets is irrespective of the kind of
animal. Studies have shown that a strong bond with
.
‘Diwali is a time fun and celebrations for Indians across the globe. However, for their pets it can be a daunting time, where they are left trembling, shaking, barking and sometimes injured due to fireworks. Take precautionary measures to ensure a safe Diwali for your pets.’
The
Festival of Lights - Diwali is a time of
bonding among families, friends and not to forget their beloved furry friends.
Diwali celebrations can be great fun for people, however
pets more often than not are left trembling,
shaking, barking and injured due to fireworks. Light,
noise and color can be frightening and confusing for
animals.
Thousands
suffer
burns every
year from firecrackers. Moreover, animal shelters report a dramatic increase in
pets lost during the festivities.
"Loud
fireworks displays cause noise, which can be stressful for our pets," says N. G
Jayasimha, Humane Society International/India managing director. "It's best to
choose small crackers and ensure a safe Diwali for our furry friends at home
and around our neighborhoods."
Here are Some Useful Precautions To Ensure A Safe Diwali For Pets:- Keep your pets indoors and in a
familiar room. Pets have a heightened sense of hearing so the jolts and
loud noises cause many animals to flee in search of safe haven.
- Keep all doors and windows closed
and draw the curtains to reduce the noise. Supply pets with enough food
and water and ensure someone can stay with them to comfort them.
- Store fireworks safely in a closed
box, somewhere cool and dry, and out of reach of pets. Do not keep
fireworks containers under stairs or exposed in passages.
- Decorate with lights, lamps and
diyas that are friendlier to the environment and animals by giving off
less smoke and noise.
- Refrain from bursting crackers
near an animal shelter or zoo. Noise can cause panic and fear. Pollution from burning firecrackers is also
harmful to their health.
- Take dogs for a walk during the
daytime before the celebrations begin. Never walk them near where others
are lighting firecrackers.
- Consult a veterinarian if pets are
prone to acute anxiety or distress from loud noises. Check their
availability during Diwali in case of emergency.
- If you feed stray animals around
your neighborhood, make sure that they are wearing tags labeled with their
names and your phone numbers. In case they run away because of the
merry-making, people who find them will be able to contact you.
- Make a first aid kit in
preparation for helping injured animals. Have a bucket full of water handy
for emergency and for putting used sparklers into.
- Ensure pets are wearing collars
and identification tags with current contact information. All pets, even
those kept indoors, should wear collars with identification tags at all
times.
- Keep contact information for local
municipal corporations and surrounding shelters handy and approach them
immediately in cases of lost pets. If you find a lost pet, either take her
to the address on the tag or a local animal shelter.
Happy and
Safe Diwali to you!
References :- General Pet Care - Holiday Safety Tips - (http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/holiday-safety-tips)
Source: Humane Society International/India
