How to celebrate Diwali with your pet

Diwali is right around the corner and most of us are looking forward to this festival of lights, especially considering what a year 2020 has been. If you’re a pet parent though, you know how stressful Diwali can be for your pet. Last year, we talked a bit about how to take care of your pet during Diwali. This year, however, we want to touch upon how you can celebrate Diwali with your pets so that they have as much fun as you do.

Burst pet-friendly firecrackers

Well, this one is obvious and is the first on our list. If firecrackers are an integral part of your Diwali, make sure they’re pet-friendly—that means no noise. Your pet can be around while you burst them but make sure they’re far away and are in no danger of running into the path of harm. In short, keep a close eye on your pet and a firm grip on their collar.

Of course, it’s always best not to burst firecrackers at all, as the light can be as startling for your pet as the noise. Keep an eye on your pet to see what’s distressing them; if they look agitated, take them away from the scene. Buy them new clothes

Some of the best parts of Diwali are getting a whole new set of clothes. Several companies now make Diwali-themed clothes for your pets—sherwanis and tuxedos—that are carefully designed to be comfortable and not restrict their movement. Which means that you can dress your pet up in some new and shiny clothes of their own this Diwali! It’s a great way to make them feel a part of the festivities and have everyone looking their best this year.

That being said, if your dog or cat doesn’t like wearing clothes, don’t force them. Diwali is about the family being together and having fun, and that’s a bit hard if one of you is very, very uncomfortable. We know our Kafka would probably not take well to a tuxedo or a sherwani. But he looks great in our bowties and those are no more disruptive than a collar, so he deigns to wear them. You can’t make Kafka do anything he doesn’t want to do.

Get them all the treats

Ah, now we’re getting to the good stuff. Sure, Diwali is about lights and clothes and family, but it’s also about food. Great, great food you wouldn’t get any other time of the year and that makes your mouth water just to think of. And so the experience should be the same for your pet. Several companies now do special Diwali treats—treats shaped as ladoos or diyas. You can also cook your own doggie treats if you like: there are recipes galore on the internet. If you want to go all out and get them something really special, invest in a doggie cake. Otherwise, simply crack out their absolute favourite treats this Diwali—those guaranteed pleasers that you know they long for.

Buy them presents—especially earmuffs

Make sure you get your pet a few presents too this Diwali. It could be a new toy or water bowl or bed… Anything that they need and that will make them feel special.

We especially recommend investing in a pair of dog-friendly earmuffs this Diwali. While you may not be bursting noisy firecrackers, it’s impossible to ensure that the whole neighbourhood doesn’t and the air may still be filled with alarming noises for your pet. Earmuffs will help soothe them and insulate them a bit from the loud noises. It may also help soothe their anxiety and allow them to relax and enjoy Diwali a bit more.

Choose a good background score

If playing background music during Diwali isn’t your thing, it’s time to make it one. Calming music can help soothe a dog’s anxiety and it’s especially useful during the nerve-wracking time that Diwali can be for your pet. So choose some music that is calm and soothing, and that your pet seems to love, and make sure it’s playing in the background. Again, it will help to insulate your pet from the loud sounds of Diwali and will make them feel safe. Classical music usually does it!

Finally, spend time with them!

Diwali is about spending time with those you love, and cherishing family moments together. Make sure your pet is included in the festivities. If your family likes to sit around and chat every Diwali, make sure your pet is sandwiched between family members and gets plenty of pets. Talk to them, soothe them, play games with them. A game of catch is never misplaced, nor is a game of hide and seek. It will make your pet feel involved, loved and remembered and that’s what Diwali is about, isn’t it? Giving back some of the love we receive all year round.