Holi is just around the corner and while everyone is looking forward to the festival of colors for a much-needed respite from the monotonous schedule, it can be a stressful time for your pets may not feel comfortable in noisy environments with too many people around and their pet parents cannot spend enough time with them. Besides, Holi colors may not be safe for your dog or cat companions because they contain many harmful chemicals and substances. It is important to protect your pets from such colors. In case it is unavoidable, you can apply some oil on your pet to protect his skin from irritation and give him a good bath after the festival. Here are other tips from an expert. (Also read: Nutrition tips for your dog as summer approaches)
“Holi is a festival filled with celebration, color, music and firecrackers. It’s one of the most awaited and hotly celebrated across the country. But it’s an extreme time. Certain steps must be taken to keep them safe during Holi,” said Dr Aishwarya R, veterinary officer at Wiggles.
Let’s look at some tips to follow:
Avoid splashing or smearing color on them
Heavy metals in the colors used during Holi are harmful to pets because it can cause skin irritation and allergies. It is better to avoid playing colors with pets as it can also cause other health problems for them.
Apply oil to the skin
Apply natural or pet-safe oils to their skin before taking them outside to play. The oil helps protect the skin from discoloration, allergies or irritation. The oil can provide a soothing effect and reduce existing skin irritation.
Give them a nice bath
If you’ve been playing with colors with your pet, the first thing you should do is give him a bath with a pet-safe shampoo that will remove the color and avoid irritation and allergies. Thoroughly wash their feathers to remove traces of color.
Keep an eye on your pet
After a holi session, it’s extremely important to keep an eye on your pet for any signs of discomfort. Excessive scratching, redness, and shedding can be signs that your pet is having some health problems due to coloration. If you notice any of these symptoms, take your pet to the vet immediately.
Following these simple steps will help you keep your pet’s skin healthy and protected during Holi. Prevention is better than cure and that’s exactly what we should do with our pets.
