Dog care during festive time

Last year a dog close to me that lived near my house passed away. I wasn’t in Mumbai that time but some people suspected that the dog passed away due to excessive noise of drums & firecrackers that happened during festive time.

At times a dog’s ear drum gets infected & unfortunately dogs can’t lick (apply saliva) the affected area to cure the infection with their saliva. In severe cases an ear infection can increase & can go deep & affect the dog’s brain.

Dogs are very vigilant animals & noise works affect them severely. They feel insecure & threatened.

Below are some other types of behaviour that they show in extreme cases

1. Barking

2. Excessive drooling

3. Tremendously tensed

4. Refusing to eat

5. Some dogs may loose bladder control for some time.

Below are some tips to pacify a dog during such time

1. Take your dog for a walk or play with him/her before firework starts.

2. Before fireworks begin feed your dog well preferably his/her favourite food, as a hungry dog shows more signs of anxiety & instability.

3. Keep your dog inside your house & never let him/her wander out during fireworks.

4. Keep doors & windows closed during fireworks.

5. Remain attentive to your dog or be with him/her as it will make the dog feel secure.

6. Show a happy behaviour in front of the dog so that the dog doesn’t feel anything abnormal happening around him/her.

7. Cuddle your dog.

8. Some dogs are found of watching television thus make your dog watch TV if possible tune to Animal Planet channel or any other channel that is animal oriented.

9. Give your dog milk to drink as milk contains tryptophan. Tryptophan is an amino-acid that body uses to produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter that induces sleep. This to some extent can keep the dog feel serene.