Why Holi Is A Time To Pay Extra Attention To Your Pet’s Health

Every year, Holi brings with it a festive spirit filled with colours, laughter, sweets, and moments that bring friends and family together. In the Northern part of the country, it also brings the first signs of warmer days and marks the shift from winter to summer, with lighter clothes and longer evenings. But even though we almost instinctively adjust to the change in seasons, our pets do so in ways that are less obvious and sometimes more uncomfortable.

For our pets, especially dogs and cats, the time around Holi is usually when the seasons change naturally. As the weather changes, many pets start to shed their winter coats. It may seem like a small amount of extra fur around the house, but it's actually part of a bigger change in the body. Their bodies are getting ready for warmer weather by adjusting their temperature and coat health. During this time, it's common to see increased hair fall, a dull coat, and their skin becoming sensitive or irritated.

This seasonal shedding can make their skin more sensitive. The dry air in winter may have already weakened the skin, and the sudden rise in the temperature can make it itchy and flaky. During Holi, pets may become even more stressed because of the colour powders in the air. Even without direct exposure, particles like gulal, dust, and coloured water can settle on their coat and paws, causing significant discomfort.

Holi also brings a big change in how our pets eat food. Dogs usually eat little less or become pickier about food as the weather gets warmer. This isn't unusual, but it does mean that pet parents need to pay more attention to what to feed them. When coat changes and temperature changes happen at the same time, their body's nutritional needs go up a little.

In my experience working closely in the pet nutrition space, I’ve seen how often seasonal health concerns are mistaken for isolated issues. A little hair fall is dismissed. Mild itching is treated topically. A temporary dip in appetite is ignored. But these signs, taken together, tell a story about transition. And transition requires support.

Nutrition becomes particularly important at this time of year. A well-balanced diet does more than maintain weight, it supports resilience. High-quality protein sources help in building and maintaining muscle and coat health. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids contribute to a healthy, glossy coat and reduce inflammation. Zinc and biotin assist in skin repair and regeneration. When pets receive consistent, balanced nutrition, their ability to cope with environmental stress improves significantly.

During Holi, a few simple precautions can help your pets in many ways:

• Keeping them away from Holi colours, high fat sweets/ food like gujiya and thandai, and areas where water or coloured water is being thrown.
  
• Apply coconut oil on their coat so that if they get in contact of any colour, it can be washed off easily and does not get absorbed in the skin.
  
• Including high-quality amino acids in their diet, as they support coat strength, repair skin tissue, and help their body cope better with seasonal transitions.
  
• Brushing frequently to manage the shedding and get rid of dust or colour particles from their coat.
  
  
  
• After outdoor walks, you should wipe their paws to prevent irritation from residues in the air.
  
  
  
• Providing continuous access to fresh water, as rising temperatures increase hydration needs.
  
  
  
• Monitoring energy levels closely, as even small changes can show that their body is adjusting to the new season.
  
• Give them nutritious treats to keep their energy high and happy.
  
  
  

Festivals are occasions to care, celebrate, and protect those we love. Our pets may not understand the colours of Holi, but they feel the change in season. Paying a little extra attention to their nutrition, skin, and overall health during this time are not just preventive steps, it is translated as an expression of responsibility towards them. As we welcome warmer and brighter days, let us make sure that our pets transition into the new season with comfort and good health.

Inputs by Ms. Smriti Thomas, Founder & CEO, Muttley Crew

Image: Gemini AI

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