This Diwali, save a prayer for the Capital’s canine breed. Experts have said the booming noise from crackers make dogs go crazy; they drool and snap, and some even die of heart failure.

There are many ways one can help them. Veterinary doctor Prabhakaran P has said nothing is more assuring than the owner’s presence nearby. He also advocates a new product in the market — the solution DAP or the dog appeasing pheromone. This comes in vials that can be fitted into a mosquito repellant machine for dispersal. The chemical signal it gives out, particularly in a closed room, calms dogs. The DAP mimics the pheromone or the signal of a mother dog, almost to create an illusion of her presence.

Dr Prabhakaran P said: “This product works in most instances. So does mild medicines like Avil or Avomine. With the noise so high, dogs lose appetite, vomit or go into severe shock.”

The worst hit are strays. Proprietor of the dog shelter Friendicoes, Geeta Seshamani, said: “Terrified dogs on Diwali often howl, drool and appear to be besides themselves with fear. We have picked up stray dogs that have died from heart attack on the day. Moreover, the dogs appear like they have gone mad and consequently people pelt them with stones.”

The solution: keep down noise levels. “As per a Supreme Court order, noisy crackers are only allowed till 10 pm. Crackers which produce 125 decibels of sound or above are totally banned,” said a senior official from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

... contd.