Holi, the festival of colors is a fun and relative-filled day; complete with loud family-members and music. This festival, like any other occasion that involves loud sounds and groups of people will ensure that your pets are extremely anxious and on high-alert mode. Also, long hours of away time from you also means that your pet will suffer from bouts of anxiety attack while you are busy playing with colours. An example of this is when you leave them in a room and you hear them constantly scratching at the door, excessively barking or howling. While it is important to treat your pet’s underlying anxiety by teaching them to accept being alone at times; for the time being, you may follow these easy to-do steps to make sure your pet is comfortable during the festival time. Socialize: Try and find a day-boarding for your pet so that they are not alone. Pet daycare centers are a wonderful concept because they let you be guilt free during the festival season. While you celebrate the festival, you can be sure that your canine child is also being taken care of. In addition, your pet will have other pets to play with and hence will not get bored. Toys: Yes! No matter what type, breed or age the pet is; toys are for all. It may be a good idea to get your pets to play with toys when alone. Also, you can build on an association between toys and leaving home for long hours. You can give them special toys when you are not around. However, you should make sure that when you are home you remove these toys. This will create an association between your absence and good toys. Play more and exercise: Nothing beats stress like exercise. Make sure your pet has had their long walks and exercise before you leave. A physically and mentally tired dog has absolutely no energy to spend when left along. They usually sleep peacefully while you are away. Say goodbye properly: It is strange how owners just get up and leave. They need to understand that like children, pets also like to be told that you are going and will be back shortly. Talk to your pet and tell then you love them (may sound absurd but pets actually understand your emotions) and that you will be back soon Soothing scents: A lot of people, including me believe that aromatherapy helps to calm dogs. Like humans, essential oils help to calm down dogs and change their mood. Since dogs have extremely strong sense of smell, it is important to ask your vet if a particular scent may work better. A lot of people also use camphor in rooms where they have pets because it purifies air and also has a mild fragrance. While, the above actions can help in overcoming separation anxiety; loud sounds and noises should be dealt with in a different manner Roam free: A lot of times relatives mean confining the pet to a room. Dogs are extremely social animals and do not like isolation. So if you have friends and relatives, make sure you introduce your dog to them and your pet is comfortable. A little sniff and a calm voice can work wonders. Encourage your family to greet your pet and treat them. This will ensure formation of a bond and your pet does not over-react. Always remember, your house is their home too so while the relatives may come and go, your pet is there for ever Keep them away from colors: Chemical colours are a strict NO-NO for pets. Colors contain lead and balloons can damage their eyes if thrown at them. Nausea or respiratory trouble is a common issue that pets suffer from after the festivities are over. As an owner, you need to ensure that your pet is not subjected to any color or water balloon torture. If at all, use colors made of natural ingredients but with caution. No loud music: This is the toughest thing to do. Keep the music low or play it away from the living quarters of your pet. Loud music can harm the dog’s hearing and make them anxious. Last but not the least make sure you speak to your vet or have a few vet details handy in case of emergencies. Have a pet friendly holy and play safe!
