As the festive season is around the corner, the ambience all around is filled with joy, streets are glowing with light and excitement is all around. This festive time brings happiness and harmony for us; however, it’s a difficult time for our furry friends. In such times, it’s the responsibility of pet parents to ensure their furry friends remain calm and safe.
Challenges Pets Encounter During Celebrations
The noise and smoke from crackers tends to adversely affect our pets’ mood and overall health. Noise from firecrackers is probably the most difficult for them to deal with. Both dogs and cats have sensitive hearing mechanisms, making it even more difficult for pets to cope up with. A single loud bang is enough to induce panic behaviour, causing them to tremble, bark, hide, or, in the worst situations, run out of fear.Overcrowded parties pose another new challenge. Pets do not always enjoy being with strangers surrounding them. Kids pulling on them, visitors giving them inappropriate food, or the unending rush of people entering and leaving can freak them out.Festivals also bring in some of the potential hazards. Candles, diyas, and decorative lights can prove to be hazardous for pets who may try to paw at them. Sweets, chocolates, and fried snacks left around may tempt them but can prove to be dangerous if consumed. These risks, along with the noise and chaos, can result in a stressful experience for our furry friends.
A Few Practical Suggestions for Pet Owners for festive season
Preparation can go a long way in making the festive time better for pets. Here are some simple tips that pet owners can follow:1. Designate a Safe Area – Set up a quiet corner at home where your pet can relax. Add their favourite mat, toys, and water bowl to it. This provides them with a feeling of familiarity giving them a sense of comfort.2. Stick to Routine – Pets often find comfort in routine. Try your best to keep their feeding times, walking routines, and playtime regular as much as possible. This consistency provides reassurance to them.3. Keep Hazards Out of Reach – Keep diyas, candles, and lights out of reach of your pets. Avoid offering them sweets or festival goodies that might disturb their digestive tracts.4. Ensure Identification is Available – If your pet is scared, make them wear a collar with an ID tag to ensure they can be quickly returned to you as festive places are often crowded.5. Inform guests about your pet Behavioir beforehand: It’s good to inform guests about your pet’s behaviour. If your dog dislikes being petted or your cat is not fond of being picked up, it’s best that guests are aware ahead of time to avoid any difficulties.
Simple Steps to Make Pets Stay Calm During Noisy Seasons
Noise is unavoidable in celebrations, but there are ways to minimise its impact on pets:Use of curtains & Windows – Close windows and doors to mitigate the sound of fireworks. Closing thick curtains also silences the noise a bit more.Use of soothing sounds – Play soothing music or keep the TV on low volume to mask the occasional loud booms of firecrackers. Background sounds are often comforting to pets.Reassuring is important – if your pet is anxious, sit with them. Your physical presence can be a source of comfort for them.Pre-workout for pets – Most pets who tend to follow light workout sessions are usually less agitated. Push your dog a little more with a longer walk earlier in the day, before the celebration starts.
Use of natural alternatives like CBD oil for calming dogs during festivities
Pet owners in the past few years have looked for natural solutions for their pets when it comes to stress. One of the popular solutions, which is increasingly being used, is CBD oil. Though new to India, several studies globally suggest that CBD oil might reduce anxiety, reduce hyperactivity, and promote relaxation in dogs, inducing a proper sleep regime.CBD interacts with a dog’s endocannabinoid system, which plays an important role in ensuring that the body is always in balance. When administered in required quantities, it can suppress the anxiety that pets feel as a result of loud noises, public places, or separation caused by festive occasions. Most pet owners have indicated that CBD keeps their dogs comfortable and calm without leading to extra sleep.Consulting a veterinarian prior to introducing CBD or any supplement into your pet’s routine is an essential part. As each pet is an individual, professional guidance ensures safe ingestion and the ideal dosage.Parties should be fun, and with a little consideration, our pets can also participate in the celebrations instead of being stressed out. As owners, we need to be aware that what seems to us like celebration might appear to be confusing for them. With proper planning ahead, organising safe zones, eliminating potential hazards, and choosing calming aids such as CBD oil with the consultation of experts, we can make our furry friends feel loved and safe during festive times. Celebrations are only meaningful when all members of the family—both animal and human—find happiness and peace.Authored by: Richa Jaggi, Co- Founder & CMO at Awshad
