Month: March 2023

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The Adventures of Paw: Understanding and Coping with Travel Anxiety in Pets

Emotions are like an ocean of feelings. They make us feel alive, and sometimes they make us feel at rock bottom. Through this spectrum of emotions, life goes on. Our pets, like humans, experience a wide range of emotions based on ongoing situations and thought processes. Body language is one such method through which pets tend to communicate with us. Apart from the body language, they also try to communicate with us through vocalising, barking, and so on. Body language is a method of communication where words are not needed. It is non-verbal in nature; for dogs and cats, the counterpart of non-verbal communication is non-vocalising communication, wherein no barking, howling, or purring is involved. Instead, posture, tail movements, sniffing, etc. are involved. Pets do try and do communicate with us. They try to communicate in ways that are easily comprehendible, provided that they are heard clearly.

Positive communication involves our pets freely expressing their emotions through barking, nudging their noses against you, wagging their tails, and so on. However, there are certain emotions they may not be able to freely express, such as hurt, sadness, anxiety, and stress. Some pets are friendly and open to expressing what they feel, whereas some pets are timid and introverted and tend to hide away when stressed or anxious. Through today’s blog, let us try to understand what stress looks like in our pets, what the outward manifestations of stress are, and how we can help our pets for the better. 

Is My Pet Worried: What Is Stress?

Stress is an emotion that involves feeling tensed, worried, nervous, and scared. Stress as an emotion is expressed by animals as well, although in ways we may not be so familiar with. Stress is the body’s reaction to certain unwanted outward stimuli. It may be due to travelling, a change of location, a change of atmosphere, and so on. However, stress may also be due to certain ailments and disease processes, certain emotional or physical trauma, or certain normal physiological conditions such as pregnancy, lactation, etc. Travelling is frequently stressful for pets. As previously stated, stress is a response, not a disease entity in and of itself. It is simply a type of emotion expressed by pets whenever they feel worried or scared about certain things happening around them.

The Adventures Of Paw: Traveling With Pets Faqs.

Why do pets feel stressed while traveling?

– They may perceive travel as a threat.

-They may have been abandoned by previous owners after travelling via cars, etc.

– They feel vulnerable due to travel sickness.

– Sudden car movements may scare them.

What will you most likely observe?

During car trips, your pet may show signs of stress, such as:

– Panicking.

– Howling.

– Excessively drooling.

– Trying to nudge you.

– Trying to scratch the window or the door.

– Hiding behind someone or trying to hide beneath the car seat.

Post-travel, your pets under stress may exhibit certain signs and symptoms, for example:

– Your pet may refuse food and water.

– They will find a cozy , dark place to hide away.

– Socializing with fellow pets and humans is a big no-no for them.

– They bark or get agitated quickly.

– Tail is tucked away beneath their body.

– Other odd behavioural modifications.

What can you do to help them out: Counteracting the stress?

Stress is inevitable, yes. We may not be able to eliminate it completely, but we can definitely minimise it to the maximum possible limits. Travelling is sometimes necessary, such as when taking your pet to the veterinarian in a car. At such times, you may have to unknowingly put your dogs under stress. While it may be inevitable for you to travel with pets, here are a few things you should keep in mind before undertaking any journey with your furry friend.

– Identify various stressors and stress triggers that you may have observed while travelling.

– Introduce your pets to vehicles early on.

– Sensitize your pets to different modes of travel.

– Prioritize short-distance travel over long-distance travel.

– Comfort your pets during travel.

– Ensure that the driving is smooth, and that sharp movements and turns are avoided.

– During stressful journeys, your pets should have access to any comfort toys or blankets.

Apart from minimising the external stressors, it is important for you to minimise the internal stress levels by providing your pets with a natural and comfortable environment most of the time, as this will help condition their brains and make them feel much more at ease prior to undertaking any journey. Proper diet and nutrition, adequate exercise, bonding, and spending quality time with your pets, apart from various other methods, can help your pet feel good and stress-free. Let us have a quick look at these factors that help boost the vitality of our pets.

We all know the importance of good nutrition for our wellbeing and health. As a matter of fact, many diseases can be kept at bay with good nutritional practices. Good fats, carbohydrates, and proteins, along with a balanced amount of minerals and vitamins, are very essential to build vigour and boost vitality. Vitamins and nutrients help improve energy. Mineral depletion can result in chronic fatigue and depression, which in turn cause depressed immunity, which essentially means vitality is hampered. Zinc, magnesium, calcium, and iron are some of the important minerals useful in building vitality. Certain vitamins, like the B-complex vitamins, are well-known for their role in boosting energy. Some other vitamins, such as vitamins C and E and vitamin D, are also extremely helpful. Certain varieties of plants or herbs are also helpful in boosting vitality; for example, Basil [Hindi- Tulsi], and Curcumin [Hindi-Haldi] have a similarly wide range of health benefits.

Exercise is a great way to help your pets build immunity and is a great way to relieve stress naturally. A series of regular exercises enhances the immune response. However, it’s important to note here that overexertion or strenuous exercise results in oxidative damage to the cells and will have a backfire effect, increasing the susceptibility to infections. Anything in excess is harmful; therefore, regular walks and regular exercise are important. Consistency is the key. Remember, the quality of exercise is much more important than the quantity of exercise. Also, not every pet will want to play when in stress, and not every dog will have the same levels of exercise needs. Pay attention to how your pet reacts and how you can help them.

Here’s what you can do:

1. Daily walks, 2-4 times per day, to refresh them and give them relief from holding their bladder.
2. Playing with balls or toys
3. Running in the backyard.
4. Going on hikes or a short jog.
5. Toys and play area for puppies and kittens

Sleep or rest is extremely important as it helps with cognition, concentration, productivity, energy conservation, modulation of immune responses, performance, vigilance, disease, and psychological well-being. Sleep plays an important role in your physical health as well. Sleep is involved in the healing and repairing processes. Sleep is also an essential factor for boosting the immune system.

Bonding is the process of developing a close, interpersonal relationship. Bonding and connecting with your pet helps establish a sense of trust and love that will make them feel comfortable and at ease despite the stressful environment outside.
It helps boost the vitality of your pet as it improves mental and psychological well-being, which in turn improves the physical well-being of your pet. Connecting and bonding are thus crucial for building vitality. You can connect and bond with your pets by doing various activities such as playing fetch, going on hikes or short walks, talking to them, praising them, and spending some quality time with them. This process helps your dog feel refreshed and energetic.

Once every 8–12 months, it’s good to practice taking your furry friend to the veterinarian for a thorough check-up. Your vet will scan your pets for the presence of any ailments or physical diseases. To ensure your pet’s health, your veterinarian may recommend routine blood work and fecal tests. They may also suggest grooming at timely intervals [like nail trimming, baths, and ear cleaning].
It is good practice to follow the deworming schedule as prescribed by your veterinarian. Generally, adults are dewormed once every 3–4 months, as this prevents the scope for any endoparasitic infections such as tapeworms, roundworms, etc. We must adhere to this yearly vaccination schedule in order to avoid many of the most well-known diseases, such as gastrointestinal infections.

Knocking The Doors Down: Combating Stress

Stress, although inevitable, can be effectively managed through proper channelling and understanding the demands of your pets at the earliest possible time by removing the stressors and understanding the patterns.

Homeopathic medicine (STRESSZA for pets is an excellent remedy for treating anxiety, stress, and other problems. Symptoms such as scratching, barking, snapping unnecessarily, etc. can be due to anxiety and stress. Anxiety and stress are expressed in various ways. Some may show a violent reaction, while others may end up becoming more timid and quiet than usual. Keep an eye out for such subtle changes in body language and behaviour. This homoeopathic medicine helps your pet relieve stress and calm their anxiety. One such supplement that complements Stressza is ME & MY Vitality for pets experiencing extreme lassitude (inactivity), depression, nervousness, irritability, and other related symptoms. It aids in the improvement of the pet’s liver function and digestive system and is designed specifically for dogs and cats of all ages to always keep them active and vital. 

HOMEOPATHIC SOLUTION FOR STRESS AND ANXIETY

Stressza Homeopathic medicine for stress & anxiety in dogs and cats

 

STRESSZA FOR PETS STRESS AND ANXIETY

STRESSZA for pets is an excellent remedy for treating Anxiety, Stress, and Canine Distemper. When your fur baby is unanimously scratching, barking, hiding behind, feeling anxious, eating nothing, even sometimes behaving wild or attacking unknowingly, etc. these all symptoms may be due to Anxiety and Stress or due to various causes of Canine Distemper. We have the best solution to all your problems, We have STRESSZA is a unique homeopathic veterinary formulation to relieve stress in pets.

Stressza for pets works for Stress due to Traveling, Crackers in Festive Season, Fighting with stray dogs, Home alone, Visiting Hospital for Vaccination, etc.

ME & MY VITALITY SUPPLEMENT FOR STRESS & ANXIETY

This is a unique supplement for pets experiencing extreme lassitude (inactiveness), depression, nervousness, irritability, hysterical behavior, night terror, insomnia, and other related symptoms.

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Heat Stress in Cattle: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment

Global warming has led to an increased incidence of heat stress in dairy cows in many countries. In most parts of India where the ambient temperature is high, the farmer must provide appropriate living conditions that provide protection from excessive heat during the summer months. Dairy cattle cannot dissipate their heat load efficiently. They have a poor sweating mechanism, and they rely on respiration to cool themselves. A cow also needs to disperse additional heat produced during the fermentation process within the rumen. Because they cannot effectively dissipate heat load, they dissipate heat accumulated during the day at night.
Heat stress also affects milk production and composition, including milk protein and butterfat content.

Heat stress has an adverse impact on feed consumption and milk production. Heat stress does not only depend on ambient temperature but is also associated with humidity and air movement. As the humidity increases, the cow’s evaporation is reduced, and she cannot cool herself. This increases the core body temperature and greatly depresses feed intake.

Heat stress refers to a state where animals are not able to cope with excessive heat load (EHL). For the normal functioning of various tissues and organs within the body, it is important that body temperature be maintained within a relatively narrow range. If the animal cannot tolerate the raised body temperature, there may be organ dysfunction and even death. Failure of an animal’s thermoregulatory system in response to excessive heat load is termed “heat stress.” Animals maintain their body temperatures within a narrow range. It is achieved mainly by influencing metabolic heat production and evaporative heat loss.

A major source of heat accumulation is endogenous heat production due to physical activity, digestion, and other processes like inflammation. Additional heat is obtained from the sun, nearby structures that emit heat, and the hot air that surrounds us.

Animals dissipate body heat by convection, conduction, radiation, and evaporation.

Convection: the loss of body heat when the surrounding air is warmed by skin contact.

Conduction: When heat is transferred to a cooler surface in direct contact with the skin,

Radiation: heat moving away from the body into the surrounding atmosphere

Evaporation: is the removal of water from the body’s surface.

Evaporative and convective cooling are the major means of body heat loss. Panting increases air flow across the respiratory mucosa, and convective and evaporative cooling take place.

Excessive heat load may result due to environmental conditions such as rainfall, high temperatures, high relative humidity, and adverse climatic conditions.

Animal factors that result in excessive heat load include breed, coat type (dark and woolly coats may be more likely to gain heat), body condition (fat animals accumulate more heat), and lack of adaptation to heat.  Bos indicus cattle are naturally more heat-tolerant compared to most Bos taurus breeds. Diets that are rich in fermentable carbohydrates or proteins will generate more metabolic heat. Because metabolic heat production increases during and after feeding, feeding animals during cooler times of the day may help avoid overheating.

Temperature and humidity gradients determine the heat flow from the animal. If the surrounding temperature is lower than the animal’s body temperature, then heat loss mechanisms can operate to move heat from the animal to the environment.

Evaporation of water from the body’s surfaces, such as the skin or respiratory tract, leads to evaporative cooling. Evaporative cooling through sweating and panting becomes the major form of heat loss when the temperature exceeds 21 °C, and if the environmental temperature equals or exceeds an animal’s body temperature, then evaporative heat loss is the only available heat loss mechanism for animals to regulate body temperature.

When the body temperature is higher than the surrounding air temperature, heat loss from the cattle’s skin via convection and evaporation is more common. Mechanical ventilation helps in evaporative heat loss by ensuring continual air flow over the animals. Forced air flow ensures that higher-humidity air is moved away from the animals and replaced with lower-humidity incoming air, ensuring evaporative cooling.

Temperature and the relative humidity of the air influence the evaporation of water from the surface. In hot, dry conditions, evaporative cooling becomes the most important medium for heat loss. However, as relative humidity rises, there is less potential for the air to absorb more water vapor, and when relative humidity is 100 percent, the air is saturated and additional evaporation cannot occur.

Animals generally accumulate heat during the hottest part of the day and release it during the cooler parts of the day. Animals are not able to lose heat if the environmental temperature remains high for most of the day and night, and they may gradually accumulate excessive heat over time.

Long periods of very high environmental temperatures for much of the day and night, combined with high humidity, favour heat stress during export voyages. These conditions may reduce the animals’ ability to lose heat, and severe heat stress conditions may rapidly develop.

Heat stress can result in a reduction in food intake, depression, and an increased heart and respiratory rate. Panting and open-mouth breathing predispose topneumonia. A continued rise in body temperature will eventually result in respiratory and circulatory failure and death.

Heat stress is one of the most important concerns of the livestock export industry.

During the export of animals, heat stress usually occurs at assembly points on extreme summer days, at sea when crossing across the equatorial regions, or when ventilation systems fail.

Heat stress costs you money.

  • Heat-stressed lactating cows have reduced dry matter intake and milk production.
  • Heat stress also leads to increased lameness, disease incidence, and death rates.
  • Heat-stressed late-gestation cows have shorter gestation periods, calves with lower birth weights, reduced milk production, and impaired immunity.
  • Heifer calves from heat-stressed cows produce less milk for the first 30 weeks of lactation.

When do cows start to become heat-stressed? Cows begin to experience heat stress at much lower temperatures than humans. In general, mild heat stress starts around 72°F with 50% humidity.
High-producing cows eat more and generate more heat. They can begin to experience heat stress in well-ventilated houses at a temperature of 65 °F.

Heat stress levelTemperature and humidity index (THI)Respiration (breaths per minute)Body temperature (degrees Fahrenheit)
No heat stressless than 6840-60101.5-102.5
Mild68-7160-75102.5-103
Mild to moderate72-7975-85103-104
Moderate to severe80-9085-100104-105
Severe90-99100-104Over 105

The temperature-humidity index (THI) takes into account both temperature and humidity to estimate the level of heat stress cows will experience based on environmental conditions.

Symptoms:

Physical appearance:

  • Cows with mild heat stress may not show any clinical signs.
  • Cows suffering from severe heat stress pant with an extended neck and breathe with their mouths open.

 Respiration rates:

Under farm conditions, it is preferable to measure heat stress in terms of respiration rates rather than body temperature because it is less disruptive to cows.

  • 40 to 60 breaths per minute (bpm) is the normal respiratory rate for adult dairy cattle.
  • If more than 10% of cows have a respiratory rate exceeding 100 bpm, then it’s an alarming situation, and appropriate measures should be taken.

Body temperature:

Body temperature is directly proportional to a cow’s heat stress level.

  • The normal body temperature for an adult cow is 101.5 to 102.5 degrees F.
  • If more than 5–10% of cows have a body temperature above 105 degrees F, the situation is considered an emergency, and immediate action should be taken.

Milk production:

An increase in the level of heat stress decreases milk production.

  • Mild heat stress results in a production decrease of about 2.5 lbs. per head per day.
  • Mild to moderate heat stress results in a production decrease of about 6 lbs./head/day.
  • Moderate to severe heat stress results in a production decrease of about 9 lbs. per head per day.
  • Severe heat stress is a life-threatening condition, and production decreases exceed 10 lbs./head/day.

Preventing heat stress:

Shade and ventilation are important things to keep in mind. For some reason, cows like to gather together when it is hot, and to prevent this, proper shade must be provided to them, as if there is only one tree, then they will all try to stand under it for shade. An area under one or a couple of trees will create more health problems than no shade at all. If good tunnel ventilation is provided in barns, it is advised to keep the cows in during the day and let them out at night or during cooler parts of the day to graze. Cows will graze much better in the early morning and cooler evenings than during the bright daylight hours when it is too hot. Reduce the amount of high-carbohydrate/starchy rations (i.e., grains) fed during hot spells because they tend to “heat up” the rumen in general, and instead feed haylage or grass silage, hay, and evening grazing.Because oats are a cooler food, they can be fed. A diet with a lower dry matter intake and increased nutrient density should be fed to the animal. Yeast probiotics can be added to the diet to reduce the negative impact of heat stress. It reduces the respiratory rate and increases milk production.

Without doubt, tunnel ventilation provides a much more comfortable environment for both the cows and the workers. Cows can become very uncomfortable if they are kept inside the whole day without either tunnel ventilation or shade. Also, having really big cows can cause problems in the summer because of the heat generated internally by the metabolism produced by very rich rations. These cows really need tunnel ventilation and/or big fans.

Most intensively grazed cows should be taken out for grazing during cooler parts of the day as they have less fat, so metabolic heat is minimal and their comfort during grazing should be kept in mind. Breed, like fat, has no effect on cattle’s susceptibility to heat stress. Fatty animals suffer more in heat. Big, fatty cows are affected more than cross-bred cows and leaner cows.

Tunnel ventilation also protects the animals from flies, as they cannot fight the air current. Even if you don’t have tunnel ventilation, it may be better for your animals to keep them around the barnyard, protecting them from direct sunlight. Overhead fans or large box fans can be used to keep animals cool. Installing a curtain on the barns allows the breeze from outside to enter the barn. Keeping the animals in for the least amount of time is the goal of most graziers. During the hottest months, the smartest measure is to keep animals inside with fans and take them out at night for grazing.

For calves in hutches, the back of the hutch should be held off the ground during hot days by placing a brick or something to give it support. This will give a nice ground flow of air circulation, which will greatly help keep the animal cool.

Heat-tolerant animals should be identified through genetic selection for the alleviation of heat stress in cattle and buffaloes.

Fresh and cool water should be available to the animals at all times. During extreme heat, an additional water source should be created.

Environmental management is a very important skill for our farmers. Although weather cannot be controlled, the areas where cows inhabit can be easily controlled to help prevent potential disasters in the heat of summer.

Treatment of heat stress in homeopathy:

PREVENTO for CATTLE – 100 ml

Indications:

PREVENTO for CATTLE is for large animals showing panting due to sun stroke, heat stroke, excessive cold, or after recovering from foot and mouth disease.

This unique formulation is brought up by the leading Homeopathic Veterinary Medicine producing company Goel Vet Pharma Pvt Ltd. The company is certified under WHO GMP practices which highlight its hygienic manufacturing facilities. All the available formulations had undergone many clinical and field trials thus gaining trust among many veterinarians and pet parents.

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Homeopathic remedies work on the principle of “similia similibus curanter” which means “like cures like”, so is PREVENTO. Hence, such formulations that cause symptoms like a diseased animal in a healthy one are used to prepare this wonder drug formula to be able to treat urinary tract infections of varied reasons. It is a formulation that is developed by a renowned Indian veterinarian after consulting many homeopaths and conducting advanced field trails over the years. It has gained the trust of thousands of veterinarians and livestock farmers with its remarkable results without any side effects or contraindications.

INDICATIONS:

PREVENTO for CATTLE is for large animals showing panting due to sun stroke, heat stroke, excessive cold, or after recovering from foot and mouth disease.

DOSAGE: 5-10 mL 3 times a day or as directed by the veterinary doctor.

PRESENTATION: 200 mL bottle

HOMEOPATHIC DRUGS USED IN THE FORMULATION

Quality, efficacy, and safety are the utmost priorities of URIGO formulation. Cost-effective health care with no contraindications or side effects are the added benefits of using a homeopathic remedy. Facts about the homeopathic medicines used in this formulation

Natrum Mur 30:

Respiratory debility due to excessive heat or cold, dry mucus membranes with constrictive sensation throughout the body, fever all the day, nausea, vomiting, increased thirst, profuse sweating, inflammation of the frontal sinuses, and other related symptoms can be treated with this drug.

Gloninum 200:

Hyperaemia of the brain due to exposure to excessive heat or cold, headache, sunstroke, irritability, surging of blood to head and heart, violent convulsions, dyspnoea are some of the symptoms that can be recovered with this homeopathic remedy.

Natrum Carb 200:

This remedy can be used to treat increased anxiety, restlessness, vertigo from prolonged exposure to the sun, headache due to hot weather by stimulating cellular activity and increasing oxidation and metabolism at the cellular level. Debility caused by summer heat, chronic effect of sunstroke, exhaustion, anaemia, dry skin, weak ankles, etc., can be addressed with this drug.

Aconitum Napellus 30:

It can be used as a first and foremost remedy to treat inflammations, inflammatory fevers, sudden illness, aches, colds cough, sore throat, flu, chills, and fever. Complaints related to exposure to dry, cold weather, or hot weather, especially gastro-intestinal disturbances, increased perspiration, etc., can be addressed. A state of fear, anxiety, anguish of mind, and body, physical and mental restlessness, acute, sudden, and violent invasion with fever, sudden weakness and loss of strength can be improved  with this drug.

Exhaustion even after a slight exertion, debility, restlessness aggravating during night are the most important symptoms that can be treated with this drug. Severe pain in the throat with unquenchable thirst, constricted air passage, suffocative catarrhal inflammation in the throat, cough worsening after midnight or while lying on the back, wheezing respiration, cough dry as from Sulphur fumes are the symptoms that can be treated with this drug.

Note: All the above mentioned symptomatic description of the homeopathic drugs is taken from approved literature of homeopathy with an underlying base from Homeopathic Pharmacopeia of India.

Dosage: 5 mL, 3-4 times in a day or as directed by the veterinary doctor.

Presentation: 200 ml

Contraindication: No known contraindications.

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Celebrate Holi with Gau Mata

Holi, the festival of colours, is one of the most vibrant and celebrated festivals in India. It marks the arrival of spring. However, amidst all the revelry and fun, we often forget about the harmful effects of Holi on the environment and animals, particularly cows. 

Cows are considered sacred in Hindu culture and are revered as a symbol of purity and divinity. However, during Holi, these gentle creatures are subjected to harsh treatment that can cause significant harm to their health and well-being. 

  • Synthetic colours are the biggest culprit when it comes to the harmful effects of Holi on cows. These colours are made from a cocktail of chemicals and can cause severe skin irritation, leading to rashes, blisters, and even bleeding. Dry colours contain a range of metal oxides and mercury sulphate, which induce skin allergies.  Cows have sensitive skin, and the chemicals in these colours can cause long-term health problems, including infections. The skin of cows is also more prone to sunburn, making them more vulnerable to the harsh effects of these colours.
    • The chemicals present in synthetic colours can also cause respiratory problems for cows. When cows graze in open fields, the leftover colours from Holi celebrations can become airborne, and the cows can inhale them. This can cause significant respiratory distress, leading to coughing, wheezing, and other respiratory problems. These colours on inhalation can also cause lung infections
    • Ingestion of colours is another major issue for cows during Holi celebrations. Cows graze in fields and consume grass, which is often contaminated with colours left over from Holi. The ingestion of these colours can cause stomach problems, such as allergies, intestinal erosions, diarrhoea and vomiting, which can be life-threatening for cows if left untreated. If any of the signs are observed, consult a veterinarian immediately. You can also take the colour that has caused such problems for your cows, that will help your vet to take appropriate remedial action. The presence of lead in these colours can act as a poison for your animal.
    • Cows often get hit by water balloons. These balloons are filled with harmful colours. These synthetic colours and dyes are harmful to eyes and can lead to permanent loss of eyesight. If any coloured water gets into their eyes or ears, it can cause severe infections that usually take a long time to heal and can lead to blindness.
    • Apart from the use of synthetic colours, cows are also exposed to other dangers during Holi celebrations. Loud music, firecrackers, and other forms of noise pollution can cause immense stress to cows, leading to anxiety, discomfort, and panic. This can also cause cows to stampede, resulting in injuries or even death. One should take steps to take care of your animal and look out for their safety. These steps may include avoiding stranger contact with your cow and taking measures to soothe their anxiety.
    • Physical abuse: In some parts of India, people throw water balloons or hit cows with sticks and other objects during Holi just for fun, which can cause physical injuries and trauma to the animals.
    • Another issue during Holi is the disposal of waste materials such as chocolates, sweets, rubber residues from water balloons, plastics and other non-biodegradable materials. You need to be extra careful with such things if you have a cow. Therefore, it is important to stay vigilant for your cow’s actions to avoid any complications that may result due to ingestion of such things.  These materials can be ingested by cows, leading to digestive problems and other health issues.One should also pay attention to the behaviour of your animal. Look out for their reaction whether they look stressed, anxious or calm because when an animal is threatened, they tend to act out. If there are any behavioural changes in the animal you should immediately contact a doctor.
    • Another way in which cows are affected by Holi is through the disruption of their normal routines and feeding habits. During the festival, many cows are taken out of their usual grazing areas and brought into the city or town to participate in the festivities. This can be a stressful experience for the cows, as they may be unfamiliar with their surroundings and may not have access to their usual sources of food and water. This can lead to dehydration, malnutrition, and other health problems.
    • Feeding cows sweets like Gujiyas and laddoos etc. Can have harmful effects on their health. One of the primary concerns with feeding them sweets is the impact it can have on their digestive system. Cows are ruminants, which means they have a complex digestive system that is designed to break down tough fibres and plant matter. When cows consume too much sweets, it can upset the balance of bacteria in their digestive system, leading to a condition called acidosis. Acidosis occurs when there is an overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the cow’s stomach, which produces excess acid that can damage the lining of the stomach and lead to inflammation and other health issues. Symptoms of acidosis include diarrhoea, bloating, and a reduced appetite, which can lead to weight loss and decreased milk production.
    • Another issue with feeding sweets to cows is that it can cause tooth decay. Cows have a similar dental structure to humans, with molars in the back of their mouths and incisors in the front. Just like with humans, consuming sugary foods can lead to tooth decay in cows, which can cause pain and other dental problems.
  • Celebrating Holi with cows is a beautiful way to honour the sacred animal and deepen your spiritual connection with nature. It is also a great way to spread awareness about the importance of animal welfare and the need to treat animals with love and compassion.

It is our responsibility to celebrate Holi responsibly and ensure that we do not cause any harm to animals, particularly cows. Here are some steps by which we can celebrate Holi with cows and prevent the harmful effects of Holi on cows:

  • Celebrating Holi with cows is a beautiful and spiritual experience. You can visit a cow shelter or dairy farm that takes care of cows and feed them vegetables and cow food. Cows are sensitive animals, so it is important to treat them with love and respect. After you have spent time with the cows, you can offer them prayers and seek their blessings.
  • No colour can be organic. Colours can only be organic when they are plant-based extracts. Mostly colours that are available in the market are made of chemicals, using charcoal or chalk-based agents, Hence avoid to apply tika on animals. Use natural and organic colours made from flowers, herbs, and other natural ingredients. These colours are eco-friendly and free of harsh chemicals. Using these colours also supports local artisans who make them, contributing to the local economy. One can also use turmeric or turmeric water to colour your animals instead of chemical laden colours.
  • Use only pet friendly shampoos to remove the colour and dirt stains from the skin, never use toxic kerosene, hair oil or alcohol as it may lead to skin problems.
  • Avoid loud noises and music during Holi celebrations. Instead, we can celebrate the festival with peaceful and quiet gatherings, which can be equally enjoyable.
  • Keep cows’ safety in mind while celebrating Holi. We should ensure that we do not throw colours on cows or spray water on them, as this can cause significant distress to the animals. We should also ensure that we do not indulge in any activities that can cause harm to cows.
  • Children are most excited at the sight of colours to avoid their excitement causing distress to animals teach them respect and kindness towards animals explain them that animals can be easily frightened and help them learn that their fun should not be unfair to animals. Teach children not to throw colours and water balloons at animals.
  • While it may seem like a kind gesture to feed cows sweets such as gujiyas and laddoos, it is important to remember that their digestive system is not designed to handle sugary foods. Feeding cows sweets can have harmful effects on their health, so do not feed cows with sweets.
  • Avoid offering alcoholic beverages and bhang to your cows during Holi celebrations as it can be extremely dangerous for your animal and may cause death.
  • Try to keep your animal in their secure place so that they can feel comfortable and unnecessary colouring of the animal can be prevented.
  • Keep an eye on the cows. Loose stool, behavioural change are some of the clear symptoms of colour poisoning, if these symptoms arises, contact veterinarian as soon as possible and start the treatment.
  • Educate others about the harmful effects of Holi on cows and encourage them to celebrate the festival responsibly. Put notices to remind the harmful effect of Holi on animals.

Cows are not the only animals that need to be protected and cared for. Especially take care of street animals that are very likely to get hurt in the hustle-bustle of festivities. Shelter them, give them healthy food so they do not eat trash, and protect them from people trying to hurt them. If an animal eye is affected by colour or powder, quickly flush eyes with clean water. If irritation persists, consult a veterinarian for proper medical treatment.

Animals on street drink water off different water sources as taps or puddles. Do ensure that you provide a bowl of clean water for them so that they do not drink water that has colours or paints in it. 

As much as we love to play Holi and forget our worries during the festival of colours, when it comes to our animals, protecting them from all the festive madness, artificial colours, and of course sweet treats should be one of the top priorities for the owners.

Despite these negative effects, there are also ways in which Holi can have a positive impact on cows. For example, during the festival, many people offer food and other treats to cows as a form of worship and respect. This can help to supplement the cows’ usual diet and provide them with essential nutrients and vitamins. Additionally, some people use natural dyes and colours during Holi, which are less harmful to cows and other animals.

In conclusion, Holi is a time for joy and celebration, but it is also essential to be mindful of the harmful effects of our actions on the environment and animals, particularly cows. As responsible citizens, we must celebrate the festival responsibly, ensuring that we do not cause harm to any living beings. We must respect and care for cows, ensuring that they are protected during Holi and all year round. By using natural colours, avoiding loud noises, and educating others, we can make Holi a truly inclusive and joyful festival for everyone.

Wish you all a very happy and colourful Holi.