The colours of Holi are harmful for animals. So do play it safe.
The powdered colours usually contain toxic chemicals which cause skin allergies, rashes and even blindness in animals. It is a fact that people with pets often think nothing of putting the Holi colours on them, rues veterinary doctor Sridhar Neralla. “It is a common misconception that dry colours do not cause harm to the pets. However, while grooming themselves Animals end up licking these colours off their fur. The colours contain lead which can cause intestinal erosion and diarrhoea,” he adds. It can also lead to severe itching and hair loss in the animals.
Inhaling these powered colours also lead to nasal irritation and respiratory allergies.
- It can lead to loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, sneezing, coughing, excessive thirst
- Itching or rashes on skin
- Excessive hair fall in a short time
- Irritation in the eyes and in some cases even blindness
It is easy to be careful with pets. But what about the strays?
Santosh Kolli, a veterinary doctor based in Vizianagaram, feels educating the public, especially the children is a good way of preventing that. He also says notices about being mindful of the strays should be put up in housing societies and gated communities.
- Wash them off with plain water or with a mild shampoo
- Educate the public on the harm the Holi colours can cause animals
- Do not use alcohol or kerosene to clean them
- Do not feed the pets sweets. Sugar is harmful to animals
Puppies and older dogs are particularly vulnerable, says Santosh. So as far as possible keep them indoors, he cautions.
And as sweets are part and parcel of all festivities, it must be kept in mind that the sugary goodies are an aboslute no no for the dogs. “Animals do not have the metabolism that can digest sugar. It takes days for animals to get rid of that one bite to sugary treats that you offer them,” warns Sridhar.
