With Holi around the corner, the celebrations have begun. We can see people starting to enjoy the festival of colors with parties, food, and colors. And we are all up to the excuse, “Bura na mano, Holi hai.” However, not everyone on the streets enjoys colors, especially our furry friends. And it isn’t ethical for humans to throw water balloons at them, or even gulal these days, which contains chemicals. Yet we see half of the stray animals painted pink after Holi.
We need to understand that the animal body is very different from that of humans. They can react negatively to Holi colors, which can cause skin irritation, allergies, respiratory problems, and other health issues. Additionally, Holi crowds, loud noises, and parties can be stressful and frightening for animals. Therefore, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that our furry friends do not enjoy Holi as much as we humans do. To an extent, we keep our pets safe in Holi, but can we say the same for stray animals? In this blog, we share some adverse effects of Holi on homeless animals and how we can keep ensuring a safe holi for stray animals.
Adverse Effects of Holi Colors on Animals
Skin Infections
The chemicals in Holi colors, mainly Mercury Sulphate, and metal oxides, can cause skin irritation, rashes, and even burns. It can lead to itching, allergies, discomfort, and pain for the animal. Short-haired animals especially suffer in Holi.
Respiratory Problems
We must agree that you can smell the gulal during Holi in the air. The dust and chemicals in Holi colors can cause respiratory problems in animals leading to coughing, sneezing, and wheezing. In some severe cases, animals can also suffer from difficulty in breathing.
Eye Infections
We often see kids throwing water balloons at stray animals, which can severely damage the animal’s eye. If the color gets into their eyes, it can cause redness, swelling, discharge, and even blindness.
Acts as a Slow Poison
We have already mentioned multiple times how harmful the Holi colors are. Imagine if the animals lick it off the road and their bodies. The pigments and dyes have lead, which is dangerous for animals. That’s why it’s our responsibility to ensure a safe Holi for stray animals in India.
5 Ways to Make it a Safe Holi for Stray Animals
It is time we stand up and contribute to the #StrayLivesMatter initiative. And what better occasion than the festival of Holi to begin? Here are some tips to help our furry friends.
Use Chemical-Free Colors
A lot of colors these days are polluted with numerous amounts of chemicals. While the chemical-free colors are slightly on the expensive side, they can be highly beneficial not only for animals but our health. Fewer chemicals create fewer chances of stray animals falling sick. Other alternatives are natural colors made of flowers or organic materials that are safe for animals.
Keep the Animals Indoor
We sure keep our pets safe during Holi. But we should also try to help stray animals. If possible, bring them inside during the main celebration. This way, they will not come in contact with the colors directly. It will also protect them from crowds and noise, which can be stressful and scary for them. Nonetheless, we can create a safe environment for our pets and the strays outside.
Watch out for Community Strays
We can’t keep track of all the animals, but we can care for those around us. Keep an eye out for animals in your surroundings during Holi celebrations. If you see an injured or sick animal, immediately alert Jaldee Vets or your local animal shelter. We offer free consultations for strays in medical need, so do not hesitate to contact our team. Remember also to be extra cautious when driving and watch out for the animals on the street.
Do Not Give Holi Sweets to Animals
As much as animals like sweets, it is nowhere near suitable for their health. Sometimes out of love, we feed sweets to stray animals. But sweets are a big no-no for animals! Ingredients like raisins and chocolate and be very damaging to them. These sweets can even kill them. Instead, go for animal-friendly treats approved by PETA.
Educate Children and Create Awareness
During Holi, spread awareness about the importance of treating animals with kindness and respect. Encourage your friends, family, and community to be mindful of their celebrations’ impact on animals. Kids may not realize the depth of their acts, so teaching them the right thing is essential.
Overall, it is essential to remember that animals are sensitive and vulnerable during Holi. And it is up to us to ensure their safety and well-being.