6 ways to celebrate a pet friendly Holi

Its summertime! Along with the scorching heat comes the most colourful festival – Holi. It celebrates the joy of love and the triumph of good over the evil. Although people enjoy playing with water and colours the same cannot be said about our four legged friends.

Playing with colours is harmful for pets as they contain toxins which when licked causes gastrointestinal upsets, slow poisoning or even possible death. The most you can do to your pet is to put a small haldi tikka as a mark of festivity.

Here is how to make the celebration of Holi more pet friendly:

• Children must be explained that playing with colours is dangerous for pets not only at home but also the strays. Children and even adults should be educated about the harmful effects of colours on animals.
• Do not feed sugary sweets and oily food to your pet as it will only upset their system. Keep your pet away from Bhaang and other alcoholic substances.
• Avoid taking your pet out when there are chances that people will throw colours and water balloons out in the street. You can take your pet out when people have finished playing with colours.
• Incase some colour gets to your pet’s coat do not use kerosene or any other oil. You must bathe your pet in a mild shampoo. It is always a good idea to apply coconut oil on the coat before the festivity starts which would act as a barrier and will not allow colors to penetrate the skin. If colours gets into their eyes, gently cleanse them with clean water. If the irritation persists you must take your pet to the vet immediately.      
• If you notice signs such as vomiting, excessive salivation, upset stomach or excessive licking of skin or eyes take your pet to the vet immediately.
• Ensure your pet has sufficient supply of clean drinking water and are not tempted to drink from puddles of coloured water or buckets.

Happy Holi!