Pune: Diwali is a joyous time of celebration, but for our furry friends, it can be a period of anxiety and distress. Incessant firecrackers , music, and festivities can cause stress to many pets. "My dog was already shivering due to the loud dhols and processions during the Ganesha festival.
Even after the visarjan day, he kept hiding below the bed for a day or two. It is going to be a tough Diwali week for him with firecrackers bursting all around," said Megha Gupte, a resident of Wanowrie. The average adult human cannot hear sounds above 20,000 Hertz (Hz), but dogs can hear sounds as high as 47,000-65,000 Hz.
This sensitivity to sound makes them extremely uncomfortable during Diwali and other festivals when there are loud processions. While some dogs hide under beds, others shiver and feel extremely disoriented due to fear and anxiety. In the run-up to the festival, pet parents are trying to soundproof their homes, create silent corners, and are even buying earmuffs to reduce sound levels.
"No matter how much people try, sensitive dogs will be scared of loud sounds. There are some pet parents who book Airbnbs on city outskirts to keep their dogs comfortable. For those who can't travel during this time, we recommend creating dens from cardboard boxes in a silent room to create some kind of soundproofing ," said Meera Thosar, founder, Happytails, and a dog trainer as well as behaviourist.
Keeping the pet in a crate and covering it with a blanket can also help in sound absorpt.
