A plea from animals this Holi
An irritation, allergy or a traumatic effect, colors are not meant for your pets
Holi is all about savouring gujiya and soaking up the colours of gulaal, but the festival is certainly not meant for animals, especially dogs. Most Holi colours available in the market have chemicals and cause skin irritation and allergies in animals. These chemicals can also impact their fur, causing discolouration and infection. Richa Maheshwari, who runs a canine park in Gurgaon, says, “The problem is that we get over joyous during such festivals. We all have pets at home that we consider our family members, and people get lost in the spirit of Holi and apply colours on their pets too. We don’t realise that even organic colours are harmful. Their skin and gastro intestinal are very sensitive. Dogs have a habit of licking everything, especially colourful objects.”
Nikhil Mahesh, who runs Umeed The Rehab Centre An initiative by Animal Care society in Gurgaon, says that it is the strays who are most affected. “Who is going to wash the colours off the stray dogs and cows afterwards? It’s going to remain on their skin, and animals develop skin allergies quickly. People throw water colours on them. It can get into their eyes and nose. We have rescued such dogs and cleaned them, but the experience is traumatic for them.”