A pet friendly Holi

How to celebrate Holi in a pet friendly way.

Happy Holi !!! The festival of colours is here, and with our pets around us, it adds an extra element of responsibility along with fun. Read on to know more about celebrating Holi in a pet friendly way.

No colours on your pets !!!

Image Courtesy: Pinterest

This is a no brainer. 'Bura Na Maano Holi Hai' is not a concept that our pets understand (some people don't seem to understand it too !!!). Colours that are available in the market usually have harmful chemicals like Lead, Cadmium, Mercury etc that do more harm than good both to us as well as our beloved pooches. Skin allergies, itchiness, blindness if gets into eyes, stomach upset or poisoning if ingested, nasal irritation if breathed are just some of the ailments that result from dry colours on your pets. It is better to stay away from them.

Say no to water colours

Not just the dry colours (Gulals as we like to call them), even the ones that are mixed with water are bad for your pets. Water colours smeared on them may damage their coat and skin and cause irritation, rashes and other problems. A fun filled festival should not become a trip to the vet.

Your sweets are your sweets, none of their sweets

Personally, I have always loved going to my friends' house and binge eat on all the savouries and delicacies prepared by their moms. However, I have seen few of them give sweets to their pets as well. And to top it, they justify it by saying they give it to them all the time and nothing happens.

'Nothing happened previously' is never a good reason to give your pets the food that we consume. They are usually high on sugar content, which may unlock a plethora of problems in the long run. Give them their own treats, and keep yours to yourself.

Should we not celebrate Holi then ???

Holi can and should be celebrated with pets, just not in the manner that we usually do. Dress them up in their colourful outfits and have a great photo session with them. If in case they get colour on them, wash immediately with plenty of water. Keep a good dry shampoo and good quality pet wipes handy just in case of any incident. Teach kids and try creating awareness about the harmfulness of colours (dry or wet) on pets. Keep an eye for symptoms of poisoning; vomitting, rubbing eyes and nose, excessive scratching etc. Rush to the vet incase of emergency.

With a little bit of extra care, Holi can actually be colourful, not just for you but for your pets as well. Tail Wag Tales wishes all the pet pawrents and everyone else a Happy Holi !!! To cheerful times ahead !!!