Celebrate Holi Safely with Your Dog: A Pet Parent’s Guide

Pet Parent’s Guide to Celebrating Holi Safely with Your Dog

One of the happiest festivals of the season, Holi, the festival of colors, is here. With colors, music, dance and sweets, people celebrate this festival across the globe. The dog days of December aren’t just for humans — it’s a time for joy and laughter and togetherness, and of course, many pet parents want their furry friends to be part of the festivities. After all, our pups are family!

Still, as the fun of Holi is infectious, we must always remember that some of the same things that make this festival enjoyable for us


may spell danger for our pets. The colors we use, loud noises and sweet treats can all spell danger for our dogs. In this guide, we’ll look at ways to prepare so you can celebrate Holi safely with your dog and your pet can have fun and join in the fun in a way that is safe and stress-free.

What You Should Avoid: How to Keep Your Dog Safe During Holi

Avoid Colors at All Costs

Holi colors, be it herbal or organic, are not safe for dogs. Many of these colors are made with toxic chemicals, such as lead, metal oxides and


sulfates, which can pose a serious health threat to pets. Here’s why you must steer colors away from your dog:

Skin Reactions: One of the biggest side effects of Holi colors is severe skin reactions like itching, rashes, and irritations. In the process, dogs can lick the colors off their skin, poisonous toxins getting ingested.

Eye Damage: Colors that splatter in your dog’s eyes can cause irritation, and even permanent damage or blindness in some situations.

Respiratory Problems: The fine dust of Holi powders can irritate the dog’s respiratory system, which can lead to coughing, throat inflammation, sneezing, or more


serious lung problems.

The color can prove to be toxic after ingestion when the dogs licking themselves after coming in contact with the color. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy.

However, if you still want to involve your dog in the Holi sparkle, make sure you avoid putting Holi colors on them and rather opt for pet-safe accessories.

Say No to Water Balloons

Although water balloons may appear innocent enough, they can cause an extreme degree of stress to dogs. Even getting splashed with a water balloon —whether it's filled with regular water or dye—is not much fun for your dog. It can


frighten them and make them anxious. In addition, turning wet, your dog can be more susceptible to catch-cold and other health problems if the weather is cold.

Not water balloons, but rather fun and easy for your canine.

Keep Your Sweets Safe from your Dog

Holi is a festival of sweets (gujiyas, malpuas...) but these are not good for dogs. Most traditional Holi sweets are prepared using sugar, cream, and dairy, which often results in stomach upset, bloating, or digestive issues (even vomiting and diarrhea) in dogs. Some sweets also have raisins in them, which are poisonous to dogs.

It’s important to make sure that your dog


isn’t able to get to these sweets, and if they happen to ingest something they shouldn’t, call your vet ASAP. Why not bake some homemade treats that are safe for dogs to eat so your pooch can also take part in a celebration snack.

How to Ensure Your Dog Is Safe During Holi?

Holi is undoubtedly a chaotic festival with all the noise and festivities around; however, it is essential that you help your dog feel safe and comfortable at this point of time. Here are some safety measures to consider:

Walk Early Morning or Late-Night: Holi celebrations normally start early and go late while enjoying lots of noise and vigorous activities. To evade the commotion, plan your dog’s walk for first thing in the morning or in the late evening. This allows them to work out without being subjected to loud sounds and bright stimuli.

Provide a Safe, Quiet Space: If your dog is nervous about the sounds and excitement of the festival, set up a quiet, secure space for them indoors. Create a safe room with their favorite toys, a comfy bed, and plenty of water to help your dog relax while the excitement unfolds outside.

Be Prepared for Emergencies: If your dog gets a hold of toxic colors, water, or sweets, have your vet’s number on hand. If you see any signs of discomfort, including excessive drooling, vomiting or difficulty breathing, call your vet right away.

Gentle Cleaning Solutions: If your dog's coat picks up any color, do not use harsh chemicals to remove the color (for example, do not use kerosene or turpentine). Come instead and wash them gently with lukewarm water and mild dog shampoo. Coconut oil can gently remove some color in cases of suborned stains.

How to Celebrate a Pet-Friendly Holi?

Just because fireworks create loud noises doesn’t mean you can do use your dog in bad colors and have them downloaded on the action. Here are some fun and dog-friendly ideas to celebrate Holi with your fur pal:

Have Your Dog Sport Seasonal Apparel?

There is absolutely no denying that Holi is filled with lots of colors and you can still include your dog in the celebrations by accessorizing them in colorful attires. Get Your Pup in the Spirit Consider a colorful bandana, collar, or bow tie for your pup in Holi-themed colors. These accessories are a safe and stylish way to include your dog in the celebration without exposing them to harmful chemicals.

Create a Fun Water Activity

Create Your Own Pet-Friendly Water Activity If your dog loves water. If you have a kiddie pool, toss one in the yard, terrace or balcony and just fill it with water. Allow your dog to splash around, and even throw in some dog-safe bath toys to help keep them busy. This allows your pup to revel in the spirit of Holi, without the associated risks with colors.

Or, if you don’t own a pool, consider a gentle shower or a small sprinkler. This imitates the experience of the rain dance and allows your dog to enjoy and refresh themselves while ensuring that they are safe.

Make Dog-Friendly Treats

Gujiyas, and malpuas, which are traditional Holi sweets, are in fact, not dog-friendly, however, you can surely bake some delicious, healthy sweet treats that your dog will adore! So here are a few simple, dog-friendly treat recipes:

Frozen peanut butter and yogurt treats: Combine peanut butter and plain yogurt, freeze it into molds, and treat your pooch to a cool, sweet treat.

Pumpkin Balls using Healthy Ingredients: Pumpkin aids in digestion and dogs of all dogs love these easy-to-make balls.

Apple Crunch cupcakes: These cupcakes are a healthier alternative to traditional cakes, made with apples, oats and peanut butter.

There are also plenty of free online resources to find straightforward dog treat recipes that are grain-free, diabetes-friendly and customizable to your dog’s individual needs.

To Conclude: Wishing everyone a Happy, Safe and Inclusive Holi

If done thoughtfully and with a little planning, Holi can be a festival of joyous togetherness for you, that also includes your dog! Steer clear of exposing them to harmful colors, loud sounds or toxic sweets, and instead build activities for them, that allow them to be part of the fun, in their way.

And remember, Holi is also the time to show loveliness to community dogs. And keep them away from the villages where the festival is being conducted, as they are usually the most vulnerable during this festival. Inform nearby children about how Holi is unsafe for animals and maybe shelter street dogs in the vicinity throughout Holi.

If you want to make this Holi special for both you and your furry family members, then make sure you celebrate in a pet-friendly way by following these tips!

Happy Holi to you and your dog, may it be Safe & Colorful!