Holi 2025: 7 Easy Ways to Make the Festival of Colors Safe for Animals

Holi 2025: A magical madness fills the air during the time of Holi. With the excitement of playing with bright colors, water, and balloons palpable ahead of the festival, one needs to recall their responsibilities towards the mute furry pals around them to ensure that the festival is a safe source of entertainment for all of us. 

Pet-safe Holi 

Pets and stray animals are at a high risk of facing the consequences of hazardous colors. From skin irritation to poisoning if ingested, Holi colors are a looming threat to stray or pet dogs, cats, or cows.

Humane World for Animals India has previously revealed the risks of Holi colors on the health of animals, urging the citizens to celebrate the festival responsibly. 

7 Ways to make Holi animal-friendly

A pet-safe Holi is not as tricky as it may sound to you. Following these 7 easy ways can make Holi a safe occasion for animals around you as well.

Don’t throw/apply colors on animals: Animals are at a high risk of getting colors on them due to the splashing of colors that is common during the festival. So, while playing Holi, ensure that you do not apply colors to your pet or throw them on stray animals. 

Don’t feed sweets: Sweets and other food items are not easy to digest. They can cause digestive problems, vomiting, and diarrhea. Use only animal-friendly food or animal treats to give to your pets or strays. 

Educate: Spreading education is a simple and the most effective way to ensure that the animals around you are safe not just on Holi but every day. Teach young kids to treat animals kindly and not throw colors on the animals. Spread awareness about the consequences of color on animals to raise empathy in society.

Use organic colors: Use organic colors to play Holi to ensure that any mistake of spilling colors on the animals does not lead to any major risk to their health. 

Use mild animal shampoo: If your pet gets into color, ensure that you give them a thorough wash with a mild animal shampoo. 

Make animal sheds: To keep the strays away from roads and streets during Holi celebrations, prepare temporary animal sheds and shelters for them.  

Keep them hydrated: Keep clean water bowls in the street corners to ensure easy access of water to them to keep them well hydrated.