Diwali Comfort Guide for Dogs

The short answer. Dress your dog for the pooja and the photographs, keep it short and stay close, then take the outfit off before the crackers start. Keep your dog indoors with the windows and curtains closed and a hiding place it can reach, and keep chocolate, raisins and sugar free sweets out of reach.

Dressing your dog for Diwali

  • Try the outfit on a few days early, so the pooja is not the first time.
  • Do the comfort check: two fingers under the neck and the chest, nothing in the armpits, and a free walk, sit and shake.
  • Keep wears short and supervised, and take it off at the first sign of stress such as freezing, struggling or heavy panting (RSPCA Australia).
  • Watch sequins, mirrors and buttons. If your dog starts chewing at the outfit, take it off.

When the crackers start

  • Make sure your dog has had a good walk and its dinner before the crackers begin (RSPCA ACT).
  • Close doors and windows and draw the curtains to soften the bangs and block the flashes (PDSA).
  • Give your dog a hiding place it can reach at any time, such as a dark room or a den of blankets (RSPCA ACT).
  • Check the collar carries an ID tag with your phone number, in case a bang makes your dog bolt (RSPCA ACT).
  • Stay calm and close. Never scold a frightened dog.
  • If your dog is badly frightened every year, talk to your vet well before Diwali; your vet may be able to help with medication (PDSA). Never give your dog medicine without your vet's advice.
  • For next year, PDSA suggests getting dogs used to the sounds gradually, playing them quietly and rewarding calm behaviour, starting about six weeks ahead.

Diwali hazards to keep out of reach

  • Sweets and dry fruit: chocolate, raisins and grapes, and anything sweetened with xylitol (found in some sugar free sweets) are dangerous for dogs (ASPCA). If your dog eats any, call your vet even if the amount seems small.
  • Diyas and candles: keep them above tail height and away from where your dog lies.
  • Spent crackers: check the road on the morning walk and keep your dog away from them.

Questions

  • Can my dog wear its kurta all evening? No. For the pooja and the photographs, then off before the crackers, so your dog can settle and move freely.
  • My dog shakes all night on Diwali. What helps? A closed, quiet room, a hiding place, an ID tag, and you nearby. For severe fear, see your vet in advance.

Dressing your dog for Diwali? The Careatic festive line is luxe embroidered fabric with a smooth cotton lining and velcro fastening, machine washable, and cut breed by breed in sizes 10 to 30.

Written by Careatic™, which makes dog kurtas and lehengas cut breed by breed in sizes 10 to 30.

Sources

Back to blog