How to celebrate Holi with your pet

Holi’s here! It is a day of colour, hot jalebis, water balloons, sneaking around the building trying to ambush your friends and family, and just one of the most celebrated festivals of the year. Should your pet miss out on all the fun? Of course not! But your pet is not the same as you and cannot celebrate in the same way. Holi is a day that is packed with a lot of danger for your pet, and you need to make sure they are healthy and safe. We’re here to talk you through the steps.

How to keep your pet safe this Holi

Keep them chemical-colour-free

While it may seem tempting, do not smear your pet with colours. We know they probably look beautiful in a rainbow-dyed coat and we are all for beauty, but Holi colours—especially those that come in a packet—are not the nicest for your pet. In fact, they are toxic. They contain loads of chemicals that can irritate your pet’s skin and cause rashes. Plus, if you have a dog, then you know they are eager to taste everything—and a mouthful of Holi coloured dye is absolutely not the best for your pet. It can cause serious illnesses, so we mean it: keep them away from the colours!

Watch what they are drinking

Holi is that day when there are buckets of water all over the place, most of them filled with dye. It is also that time of year when you have puddles of water everywhere, thanks to all the water fights. Keep an eye on your pet to make sure they are not drinking anything they shouldn’t.

Keep them off the streets

Holi doesn’t just take place in buildings. It happens out in the streets. Strangers might not be as careful with your pet as you and you don’t know what colours they are using. You don’t want these colours to get in your pet’s eye or have your pet inhale anything. So make sure your dog or cat is in a safe environment this Holi and protected from any unsuspecting attacks. If you need to walk your dog, make sure you do this before the festivities get into full swing.

Protect them from water balloons

Water balloons may be a favourite each Holi but they are also extremely painful, especially if your pet gets hit in the face or on their nose. We may be experts at ducking and avoiding water balloons but your pet won’t be so wary, so keep them indoors and out of harm’s way.

Don’t feed them sweets

We know you know this, but everyone gets carried away during a holiday so we will say it again: don’t give your dog sweets. Not even one bite of that ladoo or a piece of jalebi. It isn’t good for them and the last thing you want is a canine or feline with a tummy ache on Holi day. Keep being responsible pet parents!

How to celebrate Holi with your pet

We know, we know—so far, this article has been a long list of what not to do this Holi. So what can you do? Your pet is part of the family, you want them to enjoy this day as much as you. How can you make sure they have as good a time?

We’ve got you covered. Here is how you can celebrate a meaningful Holi with your pet.

Play with them

Just because you cannot play with colour, doesn’t mean you cannot play with your pet. If you have a dog, they are bound to be excited by the amount of running that’s been happening, so make sure you have a game of fetch with them in a safe environment. Since families are often together on Holi, make sure the whole family is involved so your dog gets that special attention.

Cats may not love fetch very much, but we’re sure they will appreciate belly rubs and scratches and general attention. Shower them with love! All pets love love.

Buy them something new

Holidays are a time of fun, festivities and great food, but they are also a time for presents. Presents! Get your pet something that they will love. Perhaps a new dog chew toy or a cat collar? Dress them up smart and fancy and shower them with gifts so that they know that, while they cannot run around and bathe in colour like you, they are still very much a part of the family.

Give them their own treats

Pets cannot eat human sweets but they have plenty of treats of their own. Perhaps your dog has that favourite treat they adore, or your cat goes absolutely crazy for catnip. Give them some this Holi so the day feels extra special. In fact, if you want to go the whole mile, buy them a dog cake or cat cake, or make them some pet-friendly biscuits. It will truly feel like a festival then.

Be with them

You can give your beloved pet all the presents and treats in the world, but nothing will be as precious as spending time with them. Even something as simple as your pet being in the same room as the family when you play games this Holi or talk or eat and catch up—all of this matters. Keep them close. Shower them with love. Show them, with your simplest actions, that Holi couldn’t be Holi without them.