Furry Holi Without Worry - Tips to Keep Your Pets Safe, This Holi
Ready, set, colour! Holi, the festival of colours, is a time of joy and celebration. But while we humans revel in the vibrant hues of powdered colour, our furry friends may not be so thrilled. In the excitement of the moment, it's not uncommon for our pets to get caught up in the festivities and end up with a coat of colour. But fear not, pet lovers! With a little bit of care and some handy tips, you can ensure that your pets stay safe and sound this Holi. Here's what you need to know if your furry friend gets a bit too colourful.
- Keep your pet calm - If your pet is anxious or agitated, try to calm it down before you start cleaning. Speak to your pet in a gentle tone and offer a treat or a favourite toy to distract it.
- Brush the fur - Use a brush to remove as much colour as possible. Be gentle and avoid pulling on the fur.
- Wash with mild soap - Use lukewarm water and a mild pet-safe shampoo to gently remove the colours, paying extra attention to areas around the eyes, nose, and mouth. Avoid using harsh chemicals, as they may further irritate your pet's skin.
- Rinse thoroughly - Make sure to rinse the soap thoroughly. Any leftover soap can cause skin irritation.
- Dry your pet - You can use a mild to no-heat setting on the hair dryer, so it doesnt bother their skin. Leaving them damp can cause skin infections, so its important to dry them off well.
5 tips to Keep Your Furry Friends Comfy and Happy
- Keep your pets indoors -The best way to keep your pets safe from Holi colours is to keep them indoors during the celebrations. This will protect them from harmful substances, loud noises, and general chaos.
- Create a safe and comfortable space - If you're unable to keep your pets indoors, make sure you create a safe and comfortable space for them. This can be a covered outdoor area, a kennel, or any other space that is secure and protected from the colours.
- Keep them away from the crowd - If you're planning to take your pets to the celebrations, make sure you keep them away from the crowds. The noise and chaos can be stressful for them, and they may get agitated and upset.
- Keep them hydrated - Make sure your pets have access to plenty of water and other fluids during the celebrations. This will help to keep them hydrated and prevent dehydration.
- Avoid All Colours - It’s best to avoid colours, even herbal ones, when it comes to your pets. Artificial colours can be toxic and harmful to pets, causing a range of health problems. Most of the artificial colours used during Holi are not made with pet safety in mind. These colours often contain chemicals that can irritate your pet's skin, eyes, and lungs. They may also cause gastrointestinal problems and other health issues. Your pet may accidentally ingest the colour while licking its fur, leading to vomiting, diarrhoea, and dehydration. When it comes to herbal colours also, its really the powder that bothers our furry babies. It can irritate their eyes and nose.
If your pets accidentally get colour on them:
Give them a bath immediately - If your pets do end up getting colour on them, brush their fur to remove the colour, and then bathe them. Use a mild shampoo to wash away the colours and prevent skin irritation. Dry them off well as mentioned earlier.
Visit the vet - If your pet experiences any adverse reactions after being exposed to colours, you should visit the vet right away. Allergies, vomiting, and skin irritation can all be signs of reactions to artificial colours.
Have a safe and happy Holi!