The festival of Diwali is all about celebrating with full gusto. However, for pets and pet parents, it can be a very stressful time especially due to loud noise. For actor Nimrat Kaur, protecting her fur babies during this time is very important.
“Not so fun fact: Dogs and cats can hear 3 and 4 times louder than us humans respectively (sic),” wrote Kaur as she posted a pic with her cats, Kitkat and Karamchand on Instagram. Regardless, it is always best to prepare in advance. Ahead of the festival, an expert shares tips on managing your furry friends’ anxiety during this time.
SIGNS OF STRESS It’s essential to monitor your pet for signs of stress. According to the Delhi-based veterinarian Dr Vivek Arora, these signs include panting, pacing, hiding, whining, trembling or even attempts to escape. Physical symptoms like an increased heart rate or accidents outside the litter box can also indicate distress.
“Addressing these signs early ensures your pet remains comfortable and safe,” he shares. CREATING A SAFETY BUBBLE Dr Arora emphasises that it is unsafe to take pets outdoors during Diwali due to the increased risk of injuries, stress from loud noises and the chaos of crowds. He highlights that “the risk of losing your pet in the commotion is high,” and keeping them indoors is a much safer choice.
Accordingly, creating a safe and comfortable space at home is essential. Dr Arora suggests preparing a quiet room, away from the noise with dim lighting, comfortable be.