The festival of Holi is noisy and lively, and people often get caught up in the festivities. However, when participating in festivals, you should always be careful not to hurt others. For example, festivals can become a painful time for both furry family members and stray cats when people spray harmful dyes that cause skin and eye infections. Loud noises can cause panic and can also lead to ingestion of toxic substances that can lead to illness.
You should be on the lookout for signs of mental distress, such as your pet pacing frantically around the room or a stray dog getting scared and hiding in corners in your neighborhood. By empathizing with their needs, we can create an inclusive festival that brings joy to everyone.
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Shantanu Karambi, chief veterinary officer at Supertails, a one-stop-shop for all your pet needs, suggests a thoughtful approach to Holi. This may include choosing pet-safe colors that are organic in nature and will not harm your pet's skin or overall health. You should be careful not to give them sweet or heavy foods. “This simple choice can make a big difference in ensuring the safety of both pets and stray dogs. Next, create a quiet, comfortable space for your pet to escape from the chaos. This sanctuary will help them feel safe amidst the hustle and bustle and celebrations,” he says.
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Limit your celebrations to areas free of stray dogs and make sure your pets are safely indoors. “Also, be prepared for emergencies. Know the signs of stress or toxicity in animals and have contact information for veterinarians and animal welfare organizations on hand. Quick action can save lives.” ” explains Karambi.
Being attuned to your pet's emotions can go a long way. Just because an animal isn't visibly in pain doesn't mean it's comfortable. Emotional and physical safety requires continued observation and removal of unpleasant objects and noises. “By incorporating these suggestions into our festivals, we can celebrate in a way that brings joy not only to us, but also to all the beings around us. “It should not come at the expense of the well-being of our friends,” he says.
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