Pets are particularly vulnerable to high-decibel noises because of their keen and sensitive hearing, and abrupt changes in their environment, such as fireworks, can cause them to become anxious and disoriented.
You can watch for stress symptoms, such as whimpering, decreased eating, salivation, and in-home bowel movements. Since the stress and anxiety, many pets even attempt to flee their homes.
Everyone is uncertain of the best way to include the pets in all the fun while making the holiday season unforgettable for them. Festival season can be a little scary for your pet because of all the commotion, new faces, and odd odours.
But keeping your pet out of the celebrations might not be the greatest option. Numerous holidays are celebrated in the ensuing months, including Christmas, New Year's, Chaath, and Diwali. Here's how to maximise it for both you and your pet buddies!
Pets And Diwali: A Tragic Situation
It is far too typical to witness little creatures trembling in fear during the holiday season. The loud noise produced by firecrackers can cause anxiety and uneasiness in dogs and cats, who are particularly sensitive to it.
Slurrp spoke with Dr DK Mahato, a veterinarian from Jharkhand, regarding pet fear during Diwali. According to him, dogs have an auditory pain threshold of about 95 dB. In addition to other conditions, including uncontrollable drooling, urination, defecation, and even seizures, fireworks can cause dogs to develop a lifelong fear of loud noises due to their 190 dB sound. In addition to being sensitive to loud noises, cats may become agitated by fireworks and display signs of discomfort, such as trembling, hissing, and unusual aggression, among other things.
A frequent influx of visitors into and out of your home throughout the holiday season might also exacerbate your pet's anxiety due to the disruption of routine.
Furthermore, the firecrackers that are let off during Diwali put stray dogs and cats in danger of suffering physical harm. Some strays may even attempt to consume the leftovers from firecrackers, which could result in burns, nausea, diarrhoea, and other issues.
Natural Foods You Can Add To Your Dog's Diet To Help Them Relax
"Apart from keeping your dog and cats in an enclosed space with a comfortable setting, it is always better to feed them a diet which helps them relax without any added medications during fireworks," says Dr. Mahato. You need to start feeding your cats and dogs naturally relaxed diet weeks beforehand. Take a look!
For Your Dogs
Quinoa
Quinoa's nutritional qualities for people have been praised. However, did you know that it can also help your dog friends? This ancient grain is high in carbs, along with substantial amounts of protein, phosphorus, copper, potassium, and other vital minerals. Dogs can benefit from it without worrying about allergies or unpleasant indigestion because it is gluten-free and easy to digest. Quinoa is a great supplement to your dog's diet, whether added as part of their usual diet or as a treat occasionally.
Almonds
Almonds are nutrient-dense and full of vitamins, almonds make a great snack for your dog. Almonds are a fantastic way to give your dog extra vitamins and minerals, but they also include a lot of beneficial fats and proteins that can help your dog's skin and coat stay healthier. Almonds are also a wonderful treat substitute if you're attempting to keep your dog lean because they're relatively low in calories. Also, if your dog eats the entire almond, it may create digestive problems. Try almond butter on a spoon instead!
Eggs
Pet owners often overlook the health benefits of raw eggs for dogs. Protein, vitamins B-12 and A, and essential minerals like iron, zinc, and selenium are abundant in eggs. They also contain Omega-3 fatty acids, promoting heart, skin, and coat health. Also, eggs are a great source of lutein, an antioxidant that can help prevent cataracts and other diseases. They can be boiled, scrambled, or served raw and combined with dog food for a simple meal addition. They are also a convenient one-stop shop for nutrition.
For Felines
Pumpkin
A great source of fibre that supports digestive health is pumpkin. Since digestive problems sometimes exacerbate anxiety, a stable mood is strongly associated with a healthy gut. Antioxidants found in pumpkins also lower inflammation and promote general wellness. Adding a modest amount of pureed pumpkin to your cat's food will help with digestion and help them become more docile.
Catnip
Nepetalactone, a "feel-good" stimulant found in catnip, mimics pheromones and can have a stimulating impact in cats, followed by a time of rest. Catnip may not work for every cat, but it can be a helpful stress reliever for those who do. Catnip can help some cats relax and feel less stressed when given sparingly.
Chicken
Chicken is a great addition to a cat's soothing diet because it is another great source of tryptophan. Chicken's high protein and low-fat content support muscle strength and energy levels while promoting a calmer mood. Lean chicken might help your cat stay relaxed and happy.
Jamshedpur: Tata’s Homeland And Heaven For Strays
Jamshedpur, Jharkhand is the homeland of the Tata industry. But it's more than just a city—it's home to the Tata Group. It is a company whose growth, culture, and values have shaped the city.
Tata's philosophy is based on social duty, empathy, and community welfare. The visionary J.N. Tata started the city and has been cared for by subsequent generations, including the late Ratan Tata. Ratan Tata was known for his love of stray dogs, and the city is still sad about his death. However, Tata's values of kindness live in many ways across the town.
Many people knew how much Ratan Tata loved stray dogs, and this love extended beyond his personal life to the Tata Group as a whole. Being kind to animals was a big part of who he was, and he often talked about how worried he was about their health.
Tata companies, like Tata Steel, TISCO, JEM Foundation and others, have made it a policy to care for and protect homeless animals. Tata Steel works with local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to feed, house, and treat stray dogs and cats.
Ratan Tata passed away recently, and the whole city is still grieving. In honour of his memory, NGOs in Jamshedpur are holding food drives for stray animals this year for Diwali. Since fireworks make a lot of noise and can be dangerous for stray animals during Diwali, Tata Steel, and these NGOs have been working together to give these animals safe places to stay and feed before Diwali.
The fact that Tata companies let stray animals come in is one of the nicest things about their rules. The Tata Group owns the famous Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, known for letting stray dogs stay there. The same kind of hospitality is shown at Tata facilities in Jamshedpur.
When strays come into Tata buildings during holidays or bad weather, they are never turned away. Instead, they are given care and time to rest and feel safe.
Schools And Public Facilities
The Jem Foundation and other Tata-connected schools in Jamshedpur also show this way of life. During the holidays, these schools let stray animals look for safety. These schools ensure that no animal is left in danger, whether to protect them from the noise of fireworks or give them a safe place to be during bad weather. Both students and staff participate in these programs, which teach empathy and duty from a young age.
The Tata Group's history has shaped Jamshedpur, which still lives by the ideals of responsibility and kindness. The fact that people in the community care for stray animals, especially in honour of Ratan Tata, shows how deeply these values are rooted.
Diwali can be very stressful for your pets, and they stay outside. It is a humble request to look out for life beyond humans. Apart from celebration, it is important to stay responsible and care for animals.