Pet Safety During Ramadan: Tips for a Happy, Healthy Furry Friend
Ramadan is a time of profound spiritual reflection and devotion for Muslims worldwide. It involves abstaining from food and drink from dawn to dusk and increased religious practices such as prayer and charity. However, for pet owners, the holy month of Ramadan can present unique challenges when it comes to ensuring the safety and well-being of their beloved animals. With more food, festivities, and guests around, it is crucial to be mindful of potential risks to your pets’ health and well-being and take necessary measures to mitigate them.
One significant concern is the increased accessibility of food during Ramadan, which can be tempting for pets. It is crucial to keep all food out of reach to prevent overeating or the consumption of anything harmful. Furthermore, vigilant supervision of pets is necessary to ensure they do not sneak any food.
Feeding leftovers to pets may be tempting, but it’s best to avoid doing so during Ramadan. Traditional Ramadan foods can be rich and fatty, causing digestive issues for your pet. Stick to their regular diet to ensure your pet stays healthy and avoid giving them any human food.
Ramadan’s increased religious activities often bring about an influx of visitors, which can cause anxiety and stress in pets. To counter this, it is advisable to provide a calm and quiet retreat where the animals can rest and relax. Additionally, familiar toys and treats may help to mitigate anxiety and promote a sense of security.
Fireworks are a frequent occurrence during Eid al-Fitr, the celebration marking the end of Ramadan, and can be a source of distress for pets. To ensure their safety and well-being, pets should be kept indoors in a secure room and provided with background noise such as music or television to distract them from the noise outside. The use of calming pheromones can also serve to alleviate stress and promote relaxation. If your pet is extremely afraid of fireworks, we recommend a consult with our veterinary clinic at ABVC to find a solution on top of supplementation. There are new and good medications that a veterinary doctor can prescribe to help your pet during Ramadan.
Keeping your pet cool is significant during Ramadan, as temperatures can soar in UAE. Pets may struggle to regulate their body temperature, so provide shade, air-conditioning, and plenty of water.
In conclusion, while Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection and celebration, it is essential to remain mindful of the potential risks to pet health and well-being. By following these tips, including providing a safe retreat, refraining from feeding pets human food, mitigating anxiety, ensuring safety during fireworks, and maintaining a cool and comfortable environment, pet owners can ensure their beloved animals remain protected and secure during Ramadan. Having your Vet’s phone number and emergency care solutions at hand will help you should anything still go wrong and you will need professional support.
Written by: Jaffer Tayyar and Razan El Moussawi, ABVC Nurses
