Overview

• Clinics report yearly spikes in anxiety during Diwali, with vets noting respiratory trouble in dogs such as Pugs and Chow Chows from smoke and loud bursts.
• Updated guidance calls for quiet indoor havens with closed windows, heavy curtains, white noise or soft music, familiar bedding and toys, and walks scheduled well before fireworks.
• Owners are advised to keep pets indoors, secure doors and balconies to prevent escapes, ensure collars with ID tags are in place, and keep emergency vet numbers accessible.
• Veterinary consultation is recommended before giving calming medicines or supplements, with behavioral and environmental strategies prioritized as first-line support.
• Community steps include avoiding fireworks near homes or animals, running air purifiers to cut indoor pollution, offering temporary shelter to strays, and checking for lost or disoriented animals after celebrations.