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Glad to see so much awareness. Here's another article in today's Times of India
Don't colour your pets this Holi
Pooja Kulkarni & Mihir Bhanage,TNN | Mar 4, 2015, 12.00 AM ISTDon't colour your pets this HoliWith Holi, Dhulvad and Rang Panchami just around the corner and colours, both dry and wet in abundance, it is fun time for people and a nightmare for our furry friends.
Deliberate or otherwise exposure of colours on animals wreak havoc on their health and well being. Here's how you can enjoy the festival to the fullest and ensure that animals both pets as well as strays are not bothered during the festivity.
Speaking on how festivals are usually a tough time for pets, dog breeder and pet hostel owner Shalaka Mundada, said, "People usually go overboard in festivities during Holi and put colours on their pets. Animals habitually lick themselves and if they lick the colours then it is chemicals that they are consuming that can cause stomach ailments and other illnesses. If not treated on time, it can also prove to be fatal. The coloured water can cause skin infections and affect the eyesight." Adding to it, pet owner and animal activist Mithali Kamat-Paranjape, informed, "Chemicals in the colours result in dermatitis and hair loss in animals."
Speaking about how animals get subjected to unintentional abuse during festivals, Dr Shivshankar Chikodi, a veterinary surgeon said, "Cracker sounds during Diwali, dhol-tasha beats during Ganesh festival and hazardous colours during Holi, are all very problematic for animals. While people don't harm animals deliberately, they need to be more thoughtful. He added, "Post such festivals, more than the pets it is the strays that suffer. Many such strays are brought to government veterinary hospitals by NGOs and other organizations. Synthetic colours contain diluted potassium permanganate that causes skin burns with long term exposure. Animals should not be exposed to colour and if it is necessary then only natural colours like haldi, kumkum or beetroot juice should be used in small quantities."
Speaking about the psychological effects of it, Mudra Shirvaikar, volunteer at Prani Project, a community project dedicated to creating a dog friendly environment said, "The trauma is not just physical but also psychological as being exposed to colours is unnatural for animals. These colours affect their gastrointestinal tract badly. Even when treated, the lack of nutrition in strays affect their immunity and make them more prone to severe problems later on."
To avoid inconvenience to animals, Mithali suggested, "Awareness needs to be created that applying colours on animals is not right, not even for fun. Currently many people are sending out this message through social media platforms but a wider section of society needs to know this."
Involving pets in Holi celebrations in a healthy way is the way forward. "Pets also have has the right to have fun and be involved in the festive spirit at home. But ensure that everything is in limits such as a tikka on the forehead using haldi powder is acceptable, but nothing more than that. Pets can also be allowed to enjoy a little bit of homemade mithai like puranpoli but chocolates or raisins should be avoided at all costs as they are toxic for pets," advised Shalaka.
Thanks you so much buddy,to share this 1 more 'must read' article. 😊
Anupamaa
