Keeping seniors and pets safe this Diwali: Experts share practical tips

Hyderabad: Come Diwali, there are bound to be firecrackers, green or otherwise. Humans may enjoy the celebration with fireworks, but for some elderly people and also pets, fireworks can cause a great deal of stress.

Protect the elderly

One should create a calm, indoor environment and plan for sudden noise, smoke and unpredictable flashes of light.

Older adults, especially those with asthma, anxiety and heart problems, are particularly susceptible to the effects of firecrackers. Keep the elderly indoors in a quiet, well-ventilated room during peak firecracker hours.

Reduce noise and lights. Close all windows and curtains to muffle noise and block sudden flashes of light.

Add background noise, such as a TV, music or noise-cancelling machine, to mask the sound of fireworks. Use earplugs or noise-reducing headphones to protect sensitive ears.

Firecrackers can cause asthma and anxiety

The smoke from firecrackers can start respiratory problems.

Use an air purifier in the room to help improve air quality. If prescribed, keep inhalers or medications easily accessible.

Keep calm and maintain routine. Loud and unexpected noises can trigger anxiety, hypertension or sleep disturbances.

Maintain a calm and reassuring atmosphere. Stick to a regular daily routine for meals and medication times, as disruptions can increase stress. Prevent accidents. Keep flammable decorations and materials away from open flames, such as candles or diyas. Prepare a first-aid kit with burn cream and other necessary supplies.

Consult a doctor. If an elderly person has severe anxiety, a heart condition, or other sensitivities, speak with their doctor beforehand.

Pets can come under a lot of stress

Humans may enjoy Diwali fireworks, but for some pets, fireworks can cause a great deal of stress, which may include violent shaking, trembling, excessive drooling, barking, howling, trying to hide or get into the house, fence or other enclosure, and refusing to eat food.

How to protect your pet from fireworks

Keep your pets indoors. Close the curtains or blinds and turn on the TV or radio to provide some distraction.

Provide treats and toys to help keep their minds busy and distract them from the fireworks. Provide a quiet place, such as a carrier or crate, which may give your pet a sense of security and comfort.

Use a leash or carrier if you must go outside with your pet to keep them from running off, which is a common response to stress and fear.

Practice fire safety

Keep pets away from matches, open fires, and fireworks.

Pets may try to sniff or eat fireworks and their fur can easily catch fire if they get too close. Take pets for a walk before the fireworks begin. Make sure your pet’s ID or microchip is updated.

Your pets should always have proper identification tags with current information in case they get lost. Microchipping is strongly recommended. Some dogs don’t seem to notice the fireworks. Other pets cannot be calmed by petting or talking to them. Animals who are frightened and stressed can hurt themselves and possibly escape if left alone. Frightened animals running loose are in great danger of being lost or, worse yet, hit by a car.

For lost pets

In the event your pet does get lost, search your property thoroughly.

Contact your microchip company. Try to attract your pet by leaving food and water outside along with your pet’s bed and a worn article of your clothing. Post lost posters, ask your neighbours and check lost and found ads on social media.

Take your dog for a long walk or play a vigorous game with your cat during the daylight hours to help them feel more relaxed later. Consult your veterinarian before giving any supplements or medication.

Expert advice on keeping dogs, cats and other pets calm during fireworks

Cheryl Curran, a businesswoman from Sainikpuri, said, “Sometimes there is silent suffering behind the noise. While fireworks bring moments of joy and celebration for us, they create a world of fear and pain for our voiceless friends. The loud sounds of crackers terrify animals and birds — dogs and cats hide in panic, trembling and confused, while birds lose their sense of direction, often injuring themselves or even dying from shock. The smoke from fireworks also harms their sensitive lungs and pollutes the air they breathe. Let’s celebrate with kindness and compassion. Say no to noisy crackers — because true joy never comes from another’s suffering.”

Reducing trauma in street animals during Diwali

Vasanthi Kumar, co-founder and managing trustee of STRAW India, has this to say: “Diwali’s joy can be terrifying for street animals. Loud firecrackers, flashing lights and

bustling crowds often trigger panic, anxiety and even injury. The worst is when dogs panic, run away to escape the loud sounds and get lost but with a little compassion. We can make the festival safer for them.

“Sensitising and spreading awareness among school children about the plight of animals on Diwali day is a great way to avoid the dreadful situation. Children can take the pledge to ‘Say NO to Firecrackers.’ They can also take the message home and educate their parents about it,” the expert said.

Some of the simple ways to help are the following:

1. Avoid bursting firecrackers: Choose silent celebrations, light-based alternatives.

Opt for silent fireworks or light-based rangoli and diyas and share sweets with relatives and friends.

2. Invite community animals into your homes: Provide shelter, food and water to

community dogs in your homes for the evening and night. Also, encourage neighbours to keep gates open for animals to hide safely.

3. Other safe zones: School compounds, places of worship and malls can be good places for community animals to hide themselves.

4. Educate and spread awareness: Encourage children and neighbours to be gentle and mindful and sensitive to the pain that these creatures may have to endure because of people’s recklessness.

5. Feed early: In case of a pet, feed and walk them early. The same thing could be done with those animals, too, that you invite into your home on the day.

6. Being a post-Diwali guardian: Check for missing and injured community animals the next morning and get them treated at the local vets or NGOs.