Many times in photography, we see how certain trends take off and spread across different cities and countries, such as the "Holi powder," "Colored powders," or "Colorful talcum powders." Perhaps my personal lack of knowledge on the matter makes me, as a veterinarian and someone experienced in pet photography, particularly concerned. My worry stems from a desire to encourage good practices that prioritize animal health, the biosecurity of what we use, and the well-being of pets in this field, without undermining the work or emotions of other photographers who promote these types of shoots with chemicals or natural products that lack scientific validation for their safety in dogs or pets in general.
I write this text based on my own veterinary experience, scientific studies, insights from other professional photographers, colleagues such as groomers and professionals in the pet industry, and the existing literature to date.
Many photographers, who are not in the veterinary field, are enthusiastic about getting spectacular, colorful shots, perfectly timed to capture vibrant scenes that excite viewers in the name of pet photography with holi powders. But at what cost and with what consequences are we measuring, managing, or responsibly promoting this on our social networks?
The images you see below were created using A.I to give the reader an idea of the style of image I'm referring to, without using actual photos from photographers or discrediting their intentions. Since this is not a style I personally support, I do not have real photographs of this subject.
This photographic style originates from the Hindu festival, "Festival of Colors," where participants are covered in colored powders celebrating Hindu traditions. This idea was exported to pet photography to demonstrate certain styles without scientific backing. Sessions with colored powders may seem fun and appealing, but they pose hidden dangers to the health of our beloved dogs.
We are misled into thinking that the word "natural" or "safe" means the same for animals. Generally, these products are made for "HUMAN" use and are labeled as "safe." The same goes for thinking that because products are natural and plant-based, they do not have harmful effects or side effects. If you work with dogs, you know that chocolate is safe and natural for humans but toxic for dogs. You've probably also read somewhere that raisins or avocados are safe and natural for humans but toxic for dogs. Knowing this, why do we believe that what is "safe for humans" is okay for dogs concerning an unknown origin powder or homemade powders made with products that harm the respiratory system in the long run?
Some adverse effects of colored powders on dogs' health include skin conditions, vision problems, respiratory ailments, and even poisoning. Even powders sold as non-toxic can contain dangerous substances for dogs. Continue reading, and I will explain more about some consequences of this photographic style.
The colored powder "Gulal" or "Holi powder" contains toxic elements such as lead, mercury sulfate, and other heavy metals that cause skin problems and respiratory diseases.
Powders sold as herbal or "non-toxic" may be suitable for digestive consumption but not for the respiratory system, skin, or ocular system. Powders made of corn starch and dyes, even if approved by government Food, Drug, and Cosmetic agencies, can be dangerous when ingested or inhaled. Additionally, modern color manufacturing is poorly regulated, and tests have found potentially toxic substances such as malachite green, carcinogens, rhodamine, and gentian violet in some of today's Holi colors. "Assuming" they are not dangerous is the first hazard we encounter as humans.
Regardless of where we place these products on the animal's body, they will be inhaled as they linger in the environment when jumping or taking action photos.
As photographers, we won't notice the symptoms just on the day of the session; they appear over time, in different development stages.
Pet photography with holi powder: EFFECTS OF USING COLORED POWDERS ON PETS
Respiratory Problems: Colored powders can quickly enter through dogs' nasal passages when inhaled. Scientific evidence shows that these fine powders can accumulate in the bronchioles and pulmonary alveoli, causing long-term health issues. This can lead to breathing difficulties, lung infections, and other respiratory problems.
Gastrointestinal Issues: By licking, they ingest the powder, and its components can lead to loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, and damage to other organs such as the kidneys and liver.
Skin Conditions:
Allergies: Many powders can trigger allergies and skin inflammation in dogs, especially in short-haired breeds. Constant itching and associated scratching can cause skin rashes and hair loss.
Burns: Due to the presence of chemicals or toxic products of natural or artificial origin, causing infections, itching, and hair loss.
Dry Hair: This product can change the oily structure of the skin, blocking the sebaceous glands, causing irritation, flaking, and dermatitis. You may also notice scabs, generalized hair loss, irregular patches without hair, and continuous itching.
Eye Problems:
Blindness: Colored powders can be harmful to dogs' vision and even cause permanent vision loss. Some customs use balloons or products derived from this material that can result in total vision loss due to their components.
Ulcers: Upon contact with the eye during the session, the dog begins to scratch the cornea area, causing ulcers over days.
Poisoning Risk: By licking themselves, dogs can ingest the substances applied to their bodies with colored powders. Even after being cleaned, brushed, or washed, residues and color from the powder can remain on their skin and fur for weeks. Ingesting these chemicals can cause stomach problems, allergic reactions, and low blood pressure. Some powders contain toxic substances like lead, which can be harmful and even fatal for both humans and dogs.
Behavioral Problems: Using products that can damage the animal's emotional well-being can cause stress or anxiety due to discomfort with the product, leading to a weakened immune system and opening doors to other ailments in their body. These can be translated into excessive licking in the area of discomfort, itching in other areas, excessive salivation, aggression, etc.
Ways to Raise Awareness:
Given these adverse effects on dogs' health, it is crucial to reflect on the safety and well-being of our pets during a photo session. We must consider safer and more conscious alternatives to capture special moments without risking the health of our loyal companions and clients.
Share information to raise awareness.
Educate other people and professionals in the photography niche.
Remove the powder with appropriate products.
Be alert to symptoms over the days.
Take the pet to the vet if symptoms persist.
Although studies have been conducted on this type of toxicology and conditions in animals, additional studies are still needed in this field, especially in pet photography. An alternative could be using post-production in editing programs, using photos of powders in new layers or smoke, thus avoiding the real use of this ingredient, or perhaps even artificial intelligence could be of great help in the present or future.
Education in everything related to working with dogs or cats is fair and necessary for all areas of the pet market.
Bibliography, scientific studies, and more information:
MORENO, G.D. Environmental Toxicology. 1st ed. Madrid (Spain): Interamericana de editores, 2013, 361 p.
AGENCY FOR TOXIC SUBSTANCES AND DISEASE CONTROL. Division of Toxicology and Environmental Medicine. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Washington (USA): Public Health Service, 2011, 269 p.
The risks of heavy metals on human and animal health http://www.scielo.org.co/pdf/bsaa/v14n2/v14n2a17.pdf
DWIVEDI, S.K., SWARUP, D., and DEY, S. Lead poisoning in cattle and buffalo near primary lead-zinc smelter in India. Veterinary Toxicol, 2(1), 2011, p. 74-75
American Review of Respiratory Disease, Deposition of Aerosol in the Respiratory Tract https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/abs/10.1164/arrd.1979.120.6.1325?journalCode=arrd
Allergic dermatoses and respiratory diseases from reactive dyes https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1600-0536.1988.tb02836.x
Human Toxicity of Cobalt-Containing Dust and Experimental Studies on the Mechanism of Interstitial Lung Disease (Hard Metal Disease) https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3109/10408449609037478
Pulmonary response to toner upon chronic inhalation exposure in rats https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/027205909190219T
Pulmonary function changes in rats after chronic and subchronic inhalation exposure to various particulate matter https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0232151389800623
Holi 2023: 5 Skin problems that Holi colours can trigger in your pets https://www.zoomtventertainment.com/lifestyle/holi-2023-5-skin-problems-that-holi-colours-can-triggerinyourpets-article-98476785
Holi 2023: Holi Celebrations Can Pose Health Risks to Your Furry Friends
Pet Safety During Holi, Tips from Humane Society International/India https://www.hsi.org/news-resources/holi-pet-safety-tips/
Is Holi safe for dogs?
Why Colored Powder Shouldn’t Be Used in Pet Photography https://www.unleashed.education/blog/why-coloured-powder-shouldn-t-be-used-in-pet-photography#:~:text=Not%20all%20powder%20is%20non,S
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