Safe Decor Ideas for a Pet-Friendly Diwali

Diwali is a festival of lights, warmth, and togetherness. But while we decorate our homes with diyas, flowers, and lights, our dogs and cats may experience this season a little differently. Curious noses, wagging tails, and delicate paws can turn seemingly harmless décor into a safety hazard.

The good news? You don’t have to choose between festive vibes and pet safety. With a few thoughtful choices, your home can shine bright and stay safe.

1. Say Yes to Pet-Safe Diyas and Lights

Traditional oil diyas can easily be knocked over by a dog’s tail or a curious cat. Some dogs may even try drinking up the oil in diyas (example based on a real life incident)!

Safer alternatives:

• Use battery-operated LED diyas or flameless candles. They look just as warm and festive. These can also be choking hazard so placement still needs to be careful if you have a dog who will try to eat everything!

• If you prefer real diyas, place them on elevated surfaces that pets can’t reach.

• Avoid placing diyas on the floor near entrances or windows.

Pro tip: Opt for diya holders with stable bases to avoid accidental tipping.

2. Skip Crackers, Embrace Fairy Lights

Loud crackers can terrify pets and also pose a risk if any residue is ingested.

Better option:

String soft, warm fairy lights around windows, doors, or corners — high enough to keep them away from paws and teeth.

• Use cord protectors or tape wires securely to the wall to prevent chewing. This is very important in houses with puppies or kittens.

• Choose fairy lights that don’t overheat, and always unplug them when not in use.

3. Go Natural with Flowers & Rangoli

Plastic décor often sheds small bits that pets may swallow. Instead:

• Use roses, or jasmine garlands — they’re safe and add a gentle festive fragrance. If you're experimenting with different flowers, ensure that they are pet safe. You can either google the details or ask your vets. Here's a link you can use to check the safety of some flowers people use in decor.

• For rangoli, skip synthetic colors and use rice flour, flowers, or turmeric. These are non-toxic and eco-friendly.

Bonus: Natural rangoli is also kinder to ants and other tiny creatures around your home.

4. Secure Decor at Pet-Level

Remember that what’s floor-level to you is nose-level to your pet.

• Avoid hanging low decorations with tassels or threads that pets might pull or chew.

• If using lanterns or torans, hang them well above their reach.

• Keep decorative bowls with water or floating candles in pet-free zones.

5. Create a Calm Safe Space

Festive chaos can feel overwhelming. Designate a cozy corner with your pet’s bed, water bowl, and their favourite toy.This ensures they have a safe retreat while you celebrate, and prevents them from accidentally running through fragile decor.

6. Mind Your Scents

Many festive candles, essential oils, and incense sticks have strong fragrances that can irritate a pet’s sensitive nose.

• Use mild, natural fragrances like lemongrass, vetiver, or lavender in moderation.

• Avoid eucalyptus, tea tree, or clove oils — these can be toxic to pets.

• Always keep scented items out of reach.

In Short: Festive, Not Risky

A pet-friendly Diwali doesn’t mean compromising on beauty. It’s about decorating smarter:

• LED diyas over open flames.

• Flowers over plastic.

• Height over floor-level décor.

• Comfort over chaos.

This Diwali, let your home glow with light, laughter, and wagging tails — safely.