Safe ways to celebrate Animal Friendly Holi

Make this Holi safe for your furry friends from any colours and make sure their Holi celebration is stress-free and full of pet-friendly treats.

Instead of Colour powders, people can play Holi with the animals with flower petals and make them feel safe during the celebration. Holi festival is a time of joy, togetherness, and vibrant celebrations. But for animals, especially for street dogs, it can be hard to survive during the festival. From loud noises of Speakers and DJs to toxic, vibrant colours.

Dr Swathi Hareendran, Head Veterinarian at Supertails+ Clinic, shared that, "Holi celebrations can be stressful for animals due to excessive noise and toxic colours. Pet parents and citizens should ensure that animals have access to a safe, quiet space and keep emergency vet contacts handy. The best way to celebrate is to be mindful and compassionate towards our furry companions."

This Holi, let's ensure our celebrations are inclusive and safe for our four-legged friends. Dr Swathi shared some pawsitive steps to help:

1. Create a haven: The loud noises and sudden bursts of colour can be overwhelming for animals. If there are streeties in your area, find a quiet spot where they can take shelter. A cosy corner with blankets or cardboard boxes can help them feel secure.

2. Raise awareness about harmful colours: Synthetic Holi colours contain toxic chemicals that can cause skin irritation, respiratory issues, and even poisoning in animals. Spread the word in your neighbourhood about the dangers of these colours and encourage others to be mindful of animals during the celebrations.

If stray dogs get exposed to vibrant colors, the following are steps that we, as common people, can take to avoid any further skin allergies of dogs. The first step is to give a gentle bath to remove excessive colour stains. Use a mild shampoo that won’t be harsh on their sensitive skin and won’t irritate. Lukewarm water is best for washing, and make sure to rinse thoroughly. 

Holi colours can get into the stray dog's eyes and ears, which can cause irritation to them. Use a damp soft cotton ball for removal of color residues around their eyes and ears. Mostly paws are the first place where colour can stick quickly during Holi. After bathing, inspect the dog's paws to check for any remaining powder, especially between the toes.

Make a stray dog's Holi a little special by providing them pet-friendly meals and water during the Holi Festivals, as they are scared of splashes of water by some small children. Arrange a safe spot for them where they feel safe and do not have an exposure to colour powders and water.

READ HERE: Holi Special: Classic Recipes to Lighten Up Your Celebration