Explaining the trauma of his eight-year-old golden retriever, Zuk Zuk, actor Raghu Ram shares that its really traumatic to see the sufferings. "I ensure that during Diwali, all my meetings and shoots are in such a way that I am there at home in the evening and spend the entire time with Zuk Zuk. This ensures he remains calm and comforted despite the noise generated from the loud crackers. The whole idea of bursting firecrackers is thoughtless and infuriating," he said.

Niti Bakshi — a media professional and a resident of Bhayander who has three dogs aspets shared — "They refuse to eat food and are so scared that they just go and hide under the bed or a table as crackers keep bursting outside. Even the smoke from the crackers affects them severely. I am not only concerned about my pets but also for the stray dogs."

For Chembur resident and music composer Hitesh Rupani, Diwali means staying indoors by shutting doors and windows. "To ensure that our five-year-old Labrador, Rocky, does not get scared, we keep all the doors shuts. Still, with so much noise around, he sits in a corner. In fact we don't even take him out in the evening for walks or anywhere outside."

She added: "I tell people to have a pet or just spend sometime with someones pets when crackers are being burst and see the trauma and trouble they go through. After witnessing the ordeal that person will never burst crackers."

Meanwhile, to ensure their pets have a peaceful Diwali, several people send their pets to kennels being operated on the outskirts of the city. "I already have around 20 dogs, who would be coming to me during Diwali time as most of their owners are out of Mumbai to avoid the noise and air pollution due to crackers. They also want their dogs to have a stress-free time," shared Zawareh Daruwala, who runs Fit Pets Kennels at Khandala.

According to animal experts, pets can be left trembling, irritated, barking more and injured by fireworks as the light and noise can be frightening and chaotic for them. NGOs working for animals and specially strays have already begun forming teams that would be monitoring the streets.

"Several cases of dogs burnt or injured due to firecrackers are reported and our team will be on the road in the ambulance to ensure we can provide medication to the injured animal or bird," shared Pawan Sharma, president of RAWW

Precautions to keep your pets safe

Keep your pets indoors and in a familiar room. Pets have a heightened sense of hearing so the jolts and loud noises cause many animals to flee in search of a safe haven.

Keep all doors and windows closed and draw the curtains to reduce the noise. Supply pets with enough food and water and ensure someone can stay with them to comfort them.

Take dogs for a walk during the daytime before the celebrations begins. Never walk them near where others are lighting firecrackers.

Consult a veterinarian if pets are prone to acute anxiety or distress from loud noises. Check their availability during Diwali in case of emergency.

If you feed stray animals around your neighborhood, make sure that they are wearing tags labelled with their names and your phone numbers. In case they run away, people who find them will be able to contact you.

Make a first-aid kit for helping injured animals. Have a bucket full of water handy for emergency.