Hyderabad: Dr Chandrashekhar Reddy says Colour your heart with compassion

Hyderabad: With Holi right around the corner, the festive spirits are high, and people are ready to revel in the burst of colours. Unfortunately, the rainbow of colours that wraps us in merriment can lead to many health issues and trigger psychological distress in our pets and street animals.

Animals don't enjoy being coloured; spraying or rubbing them with colours not only scares them but can make them sick. Veterinary doctors suggest it may be harmful for the pets or strays in many ways.

Explaining about the complications Dr Chandrashekhar Reddy of Enrich Pet Clinic, Kothapet, said," The colours which we use to play Holi are generally synthetic colours, made up of ingredients that are toxic and can lead to skin allergies and even blindness in animals, also to remove the colour from their fur they may lick it which may lead to poisoning. Its inhalation may cause nasal irritation and respiratory infection."

Humane Society International/India shares a few tips to keep pets and street animals safe this Holi.

How to help your pet/community animal have a happy Holi!

Pets and Children: Pet owners should keep their pets away from children and avoid taking their dogs at places and at times when they are likely to be the unwilling part of such play. Scared dogs to escape, or in defense may end up injuring themselves or the kids around.

Walk your Dog before the celebrations begins: Walk your dog early in the morning on the day of Holi before the festivities begin. Ensure that your pets are kept indoors and safe during the celebrations to avoid being placed in a situation where the animal is afraid.

Don't Colour Animals: Animals don't enjoy being coloured. Whether it is coloured water or powder- it has the potential to harm them. The dry powder which is generally thought to be safe to be used on pets contains lead, which acts as an accumulative poison.

Remove Colours with mild shampoos: If colours land on your pet's body, wash them with a mild dog/pet shampoo. Never use kerosene or spirit to remove colours or hard paints off your dog's coat.

Watch Out for Warning Signs: Symptoms of poisoning include excessive salivation, vomiting, loose motions, and behavioural changes like aggression or stupor in the pet. If you observe any of these signs, rush your pet to a vet immediately. Carrying the suspected source of poisoning (colour) would help the vet take correct remedial action.

Check community dogs in your area: Extend your consideration and compassion to street animals this Holi! We should possibly be extra careful around street animals as they don't enjoy the privilege of all-round human care and medical attention that is available to our pets. Be mindful and play at a safe distance from street animals

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• Animals don't enjoy being coloured; spraying or rubbing them with colours not only scares them but can make them sick.

• Veterinary doctors suggest it may be harmful for the pets or strays in many ways

• Holi colours are generally synthetic colours, made up of ingredients that are toxic and can lead to skin allergies and even blindness in animals.

• To remove them from their fur, they may lick it which may lead to poisoning. Its inhalation may also cause nasal irritation and respiratory infection