Holi, the festival of colors, is a colorful festival we all await. But for many pet parents, it can also be a time of concern. The loud noises, bright colors, and bustling crowds can overwhelm our furry friends. If you’re trying to figure out how to involve your pets in the fun while ensuring their safety, you’ve come to the right place! At FurrMeals, we believe a pet friendly Holi is how Holi is supposed to be. Here are our top tips to ensure your Holi with dogs and Holi with pets have a safe and happy celebration.
Why Celebrate a Pet Friendly Holi?
If done right, Holi with pets can be a delightful experience. Pets are part of the family; including them in the festivities strengthens your bond. However, traditional Holi celebrations often involve synthetic colors, loud music, and crowded spaces, which can harm pets. You can create a pet-safe environment and enjoy Holi with dogs, cats, and other furry companions by making a few adjustments.
Here’s how you can celebrate a safe and colorful Holi with your pets:
1. Go for a walk before the celebrations begin.
Take your dog for a walk before the streets are filled with people and colors. This way, you and your pet can avoid getting colored. Walking with your dog early in the morning is easy on their paws, especially during summer.
2. Make a comfy corner inside the house.
Keep your pets indoor, preferably where the music won’t bother its ears. Let them relax with its favorite toys and treats. Remember to keep sufficient food and water around.
3. Use pet-friendly colors
Human colors are highly toxic to pets; even the organic ones you get on the market should not be used on animals. You can use turmeric, kumkum, and beetroot juice to make safe, homemade colors for your pet. You can water down the above ingredients to make some pet-friendly color.
4. Make homemade treats
Your house will be flooded with gujiyas, jalebis, laddoos, and thandai, but please don’t let your pet come near them! Don’t think—a little bit is okay. It’s not. Sugar, artificial sweeteners, raisins, nuts, and chocolates are common ingredients in Indian sweets, and most of these ingredients are toxic for dogs and cats. Instead, make them some delicious homemade pet friendly treats for Holi.
5. Celebrate at pet-friendly events.
Celebrating without your pets is hard, and your pets shouldn't miss out on having fun with you! If you’d like to be with your pooch for Holi, you can look for pet friendly Holi events near you. These events are celebrated by using organic Holi colors that are entirely safe for your pets while offering them fun activities that make their Holi unforgettable!
6. Protect the strays, too.
Due to people's lack of awareness and ignorance, stray animals are often forcefully or accidentally colored. Educate your neighborhood and the people around you, especially children, about the harmful effects of using colors and water balloons on pets. Urge them to be more careful while playing when stray animals are around. You can put up posters describing the dangers on your society's noticeboard. You can even ask the security guards to watch for strays and the streets during the celebrations.
What do you do if your dog or cat is exposed to color?
Unfortunately, if your pet gets colored at all or if you see a stray dog or cat with a smeared color, first wipe off the dry color with a cloth. If the color doesn't go off, wash it with water and a cat or dog safe shampoo. (Use lukewarm water for the bath.) For puppies and kittens, use a waterless bath; shampoo baths are not recommended.
Using human shampoos on animals might result in rashes and skin irritations. Kerosene, turpentine, and alcohol should never be used to remove color from your pet's coat, even if it isn't coming off. In such instances, you should contact the veterinarian closest to you.
If the color gets into your pet's ears, eyes, or nose, immediately wipe it off with water and call a veterinarian. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet has licked or consumed any color. Look for symptoms of poisoning, such as vomiting, excessive drooling, loose stool, and hyperactivity.
Some extra precautions you can take:
- Keep the colors hidden from your pet, especially if they are curious and do not know where to reach them easily.
- Keep moisture and water away from your pet’s coat, as moisture can cause bacterial infections.
- If your pet is going out, you can apply coconut oil to its coat, but consult your vet before doing so.
- Keep fresh water available for your pets and the strays in your area to prevent them from consuming toxic water.
- Be there for your pet if they feel uncomfortable due to the hoo-hah of the celebration.
- Always keep an eye out for any signs of poisoning in your pets.
- Keep a pet emergency kit nearby and make sure it’s stocked up.Â
- Keep your vet’s phone number and address visible, or save them on your phone.
Also Read: Revitalize Your Dog's Skin: Best Oils for a Lustrous Coat
Final Thoughts
When done responsibly, Holi with dogs, holi with cats, or pets can be a joyful and memorable experience. Following these tips ensures your pet stays safe, happy, and included in the festivities. Remember, a pet friendly Holi is not just about fun—it’s about showing love and care for your furry family members.
This Holi, let’s celebrate responsibly and make it a festival to remember for both you and your pet. Happy Holi from all of us at FurrMeals!