Colour your pets safe this Holi
23 March 2013 11:44 PM GMT
Pets are a part of your family, understood. You choose to make them a part of your celebrations, understood. But many do not understand the grave effect which the celebrations might have on them. Since Holi is just round the corner, here are a few tips to keep your pooch all safe and secure whilst the joy is on.
Most dog owners feel that as long as they use dry colours on their pets, there’s no harm. But the truth is, the presence of lead, which acts as an accumulative poison, makes these colours a high-risk material for pets. Inhalation of colour powder may cause nasal irritation and possibly respiratory allergy or infection. Pet parents also need to know that most dogs get paranoid when you rub colours on them, since it very often gets into their eyes and nose, making them very uncomfortable. They also tend to lick their body, and the taste of dry colours makes them prone to throwing up. Some breeds are so sensitive that they gets rashes.
According to Dr KG Umesh, Waltham Scientific Communication Manager, South Asia Mars India, ‘We must ensure that during celebrations like these, we keep our dogs safe from the colours. We advice people not to try using kerosene, spirits or any hair oil to clean the colour off their coat. A good light shampoo should suffice. If the dog has been hit in the eye by a water balloon, wash the eye with clean water, and if irritation persists, bring the dog to a vet.’
‘It is extremely important to understand that some breeds of dogs are more susceptible to the accidents than others. Puppies, aged dogs and short hair coat dogs are more predisposed to falling victim to these colours than long hair coat breeds. The reason being that sparsely coated regions of body are commonly affected by colours. The pet owner should keep the pet away from children who tend to throw water balloons at the pet and also avoid taking their dogs at places and at times when they are likely to be the target of such insensitive play,’ he added.
Indulging in variety of sweets is also customary during Holi. Care should be taken as these foods are rich in butter, cream and sugar and does not go down well with canines and can give them an upset stomach.
Keep your pets happy during Holi and double the celebrations!
Most dog owners feel that as long as they use dry colours on their pets, there’s no harm. But the truth is, the presence of lead, which acts as an accumulative poison, makes these colours a high-risk material for pets. Inhalation of colour powder may cause nasal irritation and possibly respiratory allergy or infection. Pet parents also need to know that most dogs get paranoid when you rub colours on them, since it very often gets into their eyes and nose, making them very uncomfortable. They also tend to lick their body, and the taste of dry colours makes them prone to throwing up. Some breeds are so sensitive that they gets rashes.
According to Dr KG Umesh, Waltham Scientific Communication Manager, South Asia Mars India, ‘We must ensure that during celebrations like these, we keep our dogs safe from the colours. We advice people not to try using kerosene, spirits or any hair oil to clean the colour off their coat. A good light shampoo should suffice. If the dog has been hit in the eye by a water balloon, wash the eye with clean water, and if irritation persists, bring the dog to a vet.’
‘It is extremely important to understand that some breeds of dogs are more susceptible to the accidents than others. Puppies, aged dogs and short hair coat dogs are more predisposed to falling victim to these colours than long hair coat breeds. The reason being that sparsely coated regions of body are commonly affected by colours. The pet owner should keep the pet away from children who tend to throw water balloons at the pet and also avoid taking their dogs at places and at times when they are likely to be the target of such insensitive play,’ he added.
Indulging in variety of sweets is also customary during Holi. Care should be taken as these foods are rich in butter, cream and sugar and does not go down well with canines and can give them an upset stomach.
Keep your pets happy during Holi and double the celebrations!
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