Holi is around the corner and everybody is gearing up and planning to spend this day of colors with much fervor and gaiety. Holi signifies the colors of happiness and fun. It bonds us in its colors of love and brotherhood. But this love can become a day of discomfort if you have a canine friend at home. Yes, dogs, cats, or any animal for that matter do not do well with the day of colors.
And why you may ask?
We, humans, are different from our furry four-legged friends. What we can take easily, they cannot. That is why we should never smear colors on them. We may think that it is a day of fun and a little dry color can do no harm. But you are wrong. There are a lot of health implications surrounding colors that have an adverse effect on our pets. If you want to enjoy the festival of colors, then let it not be at the price of our canine friend.
Below are some of the reasons why holi should not be smeared on our pets or any stray animals for that matter.
1. Pets are prone to skin allergies and hair fall when smeared with colors:
While it may seem safe for you to apply colors but in reality, it is not safe for your pets. Colors are after all made up of chemicals…in fact, they contain very harmful chemicals like mercury sulfates and metal oxides, and even lead. These chemicals, when mixed in the hair of our pets, cause skin allergies and hair fall problems. Dogs with short hair coats, puppies, or senior dogs are most sensitive to the colors of Holi.
2. Holi colors can also cause respiratory problems:
We may think that colors which are sold as safe or herbal are good for your pets. But it’s isn’t. As discussed, colors of any kind contain chemicals and as such, they should not be sprayed or smeared on animals. Dry powders, when smeared on the animals, can enter through the nasal tracts of the pets very quickly. When inhaled, these chemicals in the powder can lead to lung infection and other respiratory issues.
3. Holi colors can also cause blindness to your pets and other stray animals:
While it may seem fun to throw water balloons at others, it is not so much for your pets or other stray animals on the streets. The water present in the water balloons contains dyes and other materials which can be damaging to the eyes of your pet leading to an eye infection and in a worst-case scenario, can even cause blindness.
4. Holi colors are slow poison in the long run:
You know your day of merriment can become a day of mourning if your pet ingests these colors. When you throw colors at stray animals, they do not have any other way of getting rid of the colors but by cleaning it up by licking. When they do so they end up ingesting a lot of these powders that we have smeared on their body. As we all know these substances are very very harmful. When our canine friend licks themselves, they end up ingesting lead which is a slow poison and can eventually lead to poisoning and can be fatal for your pets or other stray animals.
How to ensure your pets and other animals stay safe during Holi
Festivities are meant to be enjoyed and not afflict torture on others especially on the animals who cannot voice out their problems. Respecting and understanding our canine friend’s needs and ensuring their safety and comfort should be our responsibility. Not just our pets, being aware of some precautionary steps to protect stray animals is always beneficial. Let us look into some of the best preventive measures to keep our pets and stray animals safe during Holi.
Also read: How to make Diwali bearable for dogs
1. Make people aware of the ill effects of Holi on animals:
If we can make people aware of the harmful effects of colors on animals then they may refrain from putting colors on them. In schools or colleges, the teachers can ask students to make up posters and have them put up in their areas or localities so that more and more people can know about it. Parents should teach their children not to throw water balloons on stray animals or their pets for fun. They should let them know what will happen to these poor animals if they ingest color.
2. Never give Sweets to your Pets:
Sweets have become an integral part when it comes to festivities and Holi is no different. But it is never a good idea to give sweets to your pets as it can wreak havoc in your pet’s digestive system. I know you would hate not to share a piece of sweets with your little furball, but remember safety comes first. Sugar, cream, resins, butter, and preservatives used in the sweets are all harmful to your pets. Instead of giving him these, you can show your love by giving him dog treats that will not harm him and will save his life in the long run.
3. Keep an eye on your pet for any signs of illness:
If for some reason you have not been able to save your pet from the colors, then it is best that you keep an eye on him to check for any kind of discomfort. Look out for signs such as excessive drooling, behavioral changes, loose stools, being lethargic which are some of the clear symptoms of color poisoning. Check his eyes for any inflammation or redness. In case your pet has any of these symptoms, then take him to the vet as early as possible.
4. Use only pet shampoos to remove colors:
If your pet has been smeared with colors then don’t wait for long to give him a bath. Use only pet shampoos meant for dogs or cats to remove the dirt and color stains from their body. Never use hair oil or spirit, alcohol or kerosene to get rid of the colors. Use of these substances can damage your pet’s coat and lead to excessive hair fall. Do not use human shampoos for your pets as it contains chemicals which are not suitable for your canine friend and can lead to infections and allergies. In case your pet is hit by a water balloon in the eye, wash it off with plain tepid water. In case your pet still has redness or watery eyes it is best to take him immediately to the vet.
5. Keep pets indoors to keep them safe:
I know you would want your pet to be there with you when you celebrate Holi. But given the risks, it is better to keep them indoors and out of reach of colors so that they remain safe and secure. If you have kids, then make them understand the implications of colors on your pet. If they are too young to understand, then keep your pets away from them so that they do not hurt your pets. Also, it would be great if you would teach your kids not to throw water balloons on stray animals. Once your children realize the ill effects of colors on animals, they will stop doing so and this in return will make a safe place for the animals on the streets.
Holi is a festival of colors and it brings along a lot of happiness. But happiness at the cost of others is not real happiness. We should not forget that everybody has the right to live and by our so-called fun and frolic if we end up hurting the lives of innocent creatures then this fun has no meaning. What all festivities teach us is the feeling of love towards others. Let us not confine our love to us humans only. Let us make a better place for all of us to live.
Happy Holi everyone and may this festival spread into your life peace, prosperity, happiness, and good health. And speaking of happiness and good health, our canine friends too deserve happiness and good health. So let’s pledge to give our adorable canine friends at home as well as those on the streets a safe, clean, and non-toxic Holi. Have a safe Dog Holi!
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