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Festivals can be rough for pets. From fireworks to food, here are 7 simple hacks to keep your furry friends safe, calm, and happy all season.
Here are 7 festive hacks to keep pets safe, comfy & tail-wagging through the celebrations.
Festivals in India are tail-waggingly grand from Diwali’s dazzling diyas to Holi’s riot of colors to Eid’s never-ending feasts. But while we’re busy stocking up on kaju katlis and fairy lights, our pets often find the season more ruff than fun.
And it’s not just pets at home, street dogs and cats also feel the brunt. They get startled by fireworks, struggle with leftover food scraps, and are often left without a safe corner to retreat to.
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With nearly 30 million pet dogs and about 5.5 million domestic cats now sharing Indian homes, pets are no longer just companions. They’re family. And alongside them, the millions of community animals on our streets remind us that compassion needs to extend beyond our living rooms.
“Festivals are about family, and that includes the furry ones. A few small steps from planning around crackers to keeping mithai out of reach can turn what might be stressful nights into safe, sparkling celebrations for pets,” says Dr Swathi Hareendran, Veterinary Expert, Supertails.
So, here’s your paw-fect guide to making sure your pets wag, purr, and strut through the season just as joyfully as you do.
1. Crackers? Create a Cozy Den, Not a War Zone
Fireworks to us = fun. To pets = alien invasion. Dogs hear four times better than humans, so every boom feels enormous. Create a snug corner with dim lights, blankets, and calming music. Sit with them if you can nothing beats your company. And if you see strays outside, even a bowl of water or a safe spot can help.
2. Doors Swinging, Paws Sprinting? Stage a Grand Entry
Festival doors never stop opening, and one dash can mean trouble. A sturdy harness and a festive collar with your number tagged are safer than any microchip talk. Let them chill in another room while guests pour in, then bring them out like the true star of the aarti.
3. Mithai Mania? Serve Their Own Sweet Spread
Your pet’s puppy eyes at the laddoo tray could melt anyone. But Indian sweets are no treat: chocolate barfi, raisins in kheer, and deep-fried snacks can upset furry tummies. Here’s the hack: place a festive bowl of pet-safe goodies next to the mithai platter, and guests will happily hand over “their ladoos.” And remember, wrappers left outside are just as dangerous for strays.
4. Festive Fashion? Keep It Comfy, Not Clingy
We love twinning with our pets, but sequined kurtas and heavy sherwanis? Total faux paw. Pets prefer comfort over couture. Stick to breathable bandanas, collars, or light tees. A Bangalore cat parent once ditched outfits entirely and dressed her kitty in a marigold garland, simple, stunning, and safe.
5. Diyas & Rangoli? Light the Home, Not the Whiskers
Cats and candles are like toddlers and markers, accidents waiting to happen. Swap real diyas for LED ones or place them high, far from curious paws. Stick to non-toxic rangoli powders, and for an extra festive twist? Make a paw-print rangoli. Safe colors, unique design, and instant Instagram reel material.
6. Too Many Guests? Respect Their Retreat Rights
Festivals bring hugs, squeals, and sugar highs not always a pet’s idea of fun. Give them a retreat room stocked with water, toys, and peace. Teach kids to approach slowly (no pouncing, please). Let your pet join the family aarti or the group photo, then let them slip away to snooze. That way, the big moments stay happy memories, not stressful ones.
7. Festival First-Aid? Better to Be Prepared
Between food temptations, firework frights, and frenzied guests, surprises happen. A pet first-aid kit, bandages, ORS, vet-prescribed meds is your festive best friend. Save your vet’s number and Supertails’ consult link on speed-dial. Think of it as festival insurance: when you stay calm, your pet does too.
Festivals aren’t just about lights and laddoos, they’re about creating spaces where our pets feel safe, loved, and included. With a little planning, the noise, sweets, and crowds don’t have to overwhelm them; they can enjoy the season right alongside us. The result? Happier dogs, calmer cats, and even a kinder night for the strays outside. A celebration that glows not just in the sky, but in wagging tails and whiskers twitching with joy.
About the Author
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
September 15, 2025, 09:53 IST
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