Have a heart for quadrupeds as we smear colours on others

Have a heart for quadrupeds as we smear colours on others

Amidst all the festivities and merry-making in the festival of colour, we tend to overlook that the rainbow of colours lead to many health issues and trigger psychological distress in our pets and street animals.

Humane Society International/India shares a few tips to keep pets and street animals safe this Holi.

Pets and Children: A child’s excitement peaks at the sight of colours and splashing water. In this excitement, they tend to throw water balloons and paint anyone or anything that comes in their proximity. Pet owners should keep their pets away from children and avoid taking their dogs at places and at times when they are likely to be the unwilling part of such play. Scared dogs in an attempt to escape, or in defense may end up injuring themselves or the kids around.

Walk Your Dog Before Celebrations Begin: Walk your dog early in the morning on the day of Holi before the festivities begin. Ensure that your pets are kept indoors and safe during the celebrations to avoid being placed in a situation where the animal is afraid. During a festival like Holi, it’s always advisable to leave your pets safely indoors preferably with their favourite toy. This will also prevent children from startling or irritating them. Make sure you supply them with sufficient food and water. 

Don’t Colour Animals: Animals don’t enjoy being coloured. Whether it is coloured water or powder- it has the potential to harm them. The colours which we use to play Holi are generally synthetic colours, made up of ingredients that are toxic and can lead to skin allergies and even blindness in humans and animals. The dry powder which is generally thought to be safe to be used on pets contains lead, which acts as an accumulative poison. Its inhalation may cause nasal irritation and in the worst-case- respiratory infection. They also tend to lick their body, unwittingly ingesting the holi colours and very often this becomes the chief source of poisoning.

Remove Colours with mild shampoos: If colours land on your pet’s body, wash them with a mild dog/pet shampoo. Never use kerosene or spirit to remove colours or hard paints off your dog’s coat. If the dog has been hit in the eye with a water balloon or colours enter in eyes or are ingested, wash the eye thoroughly with clean water, take to vet ASAP.

Watch Out for Warning Signs: Symptoms of poisoning include excessive salivation, vomiting, loose motions, and behavioural changes like aggression or stupor in the pet. If you observe any of these signs, rush your pet to a vet immediately. Carrying the suspected source of poisoning (colour) would help the vet take correct remedial action.

Teach Kids Not to Use Colours on Animals: Sensitize kids at home and in your neighbourhood about pet safety, especially during festival celebrations. As stray dogs mostly fall victim to toxic colours in this festival, parents must teach their kids not to play Holi with animals. No animal, whether domestic or stray, should be hurt in this beautiful, happy festival.

Sensitize your community: Request your community secretary and building managers to put up an advisory asking occupants to keep pets indoors during celebrations and not to throw water or colours at street animals.

Don’t Feed sweets to your pets: Most pets are allergic to sweets and sugar, so pet owners should be very careful about this pet care tip. Make sure your guests or children do not offer sweets to your pet. Similarly, fried or high-calorie foods do not go well with their digestive system.

Check Community dogs in your area: Extend your consideration and compassion to street animals this Holi! We should possibly be extra careful around street animals as they don’t enjoy the privilege of all-round human care and medical attention that is available to our pets. Be mindful and play at a safe distance from street animals.

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