How to Calm Dogs During Diwali: A 7-Day Plan for Pet Parents

Does your dog start shaking, panting or hiding under the bed when the first cracker explodes? You are not alone. Every year Diwali makes many Indian homes an environment where pets get stressed. But the difficult part is that it's usually more than one night.

Lakshmi Pujan falls on Sunday, 8 November this year. This leaves you with approximately a week. Here is a day-by-day plan on how to calm dogs during Diwali, starting now.

Crackers usually start days before the festival and carry on after it. Your dog might sleep through the first night and get agitated the following nights if there are repeated noises and sleep disturbances. Repeated exposure does not necessarily help a dog "get used to it," says a Mint guide on Diwali pet anxiety. For some, the fear grows.

The Indian Express in Pune spoke with pet owners to find out what they observe each year – that cats hide under beds, dogs stop eating and that one dog, aged 13, no longer goes to his usual terrace and instead retreats to a corner away from the windows.

If your dog panics at firecrackers before, please make a vet appointment this week. In some cases, prescribed anxiety medication should be administered in addition to changes at home. Never give human medicine on your own.

If your vet prescribes something, ask whether to try it on a quiet day first. That way you learn how your dog reacts before the big night. The goal is relief from fear, not just a drowsy dog.

Scared dogs bolt. Check that the collar fits and the tag has your current phone number. Update the info on the microchip as well.

Identify where your dog has been going when he/she has been scared. That spot is your safe room. If possible, look for an inner room, where balconies and street-facing windows are not present.

Add bedding, water and a favourite toy, and leave the door open. A crate can only help when your dog already enjoys it! Diwali week is not the time to start crate training.

Close windows and curtains at dusk. Turn on a fan, soft music or the TV to mask sudden sounds. Even when you are on quiet evenings, do this too, to make the arrangement seem normal.

Walk early in the morning or in the evening. Use a secure leash every time, even if your dog is usually calm off-leash. A loud bang can turn any dog into a runner.

Also be familiar with the rules in your area. Bengaluru police have asked people to use only certified green crackers and burst them between 8 pm and 10 pm. In Maharashtra, noisy crackers are not allowed between 10 pm and 6 am, and bursting on roads and footpaths is banned under Bombay High Court orders.

Keep sweets, chocolates, candles, diyas and rangoli powders out of reach. If visitors come and go, be wary of an open door as it is a common route of escape. Ensure cats are indoors and balconies are secured.

Smoke matters too. If your city's air is already poor, read our guide on [whether air pollution is bad for dogs](https://zaanvar.com/dog/is-air-pollution-bad-for-dogs/9045/).

Your dog may be exhausted and anxious after being on edge for hours. Take it easy and enjoy typical food and gentle walking. After walking, inspect paws for burnt cracker crumbs in the roadway as it can cause pain. Watch for coughing, low energy or poor appetite.

If your dog is still very distressed long after the noise stops, call your vet. If fear does appear even when you are going about your daily life, you might find our article on [separation anxiety in dogs - recognising and managing it](https://zaanvar.com/dog/separation-anxiety-in-dogs-recognising-and-managing-it/) helpful. And for dogs that react to every loud sound, here is [why dogs howl at sirens](https://zaanvar.com/dog/why-do-dogs-howl-at-sirens-the-simple-science-behind-that-sudden-awooo/8811/).

Your dog can have a nice quiet Diwali without fancy equipment. It needs a plan: an early vet chat, a safe room, smart walk timings and a person who stays close. Just starting now, the Festival of Lights can be a little less terrifying for that one family member who can't ask for quiet.