My Guide to Keeping Your Dog Safe This Holi & Diwali!

Hey Pet Fam! 

India is all about its incredible festivals, right? The vibrant colors of Holi, the dazzling lights of Diwali, the mouthwatering food, the infectious music, the warmth of family get-togethers… it’s truly the best time of year. But while we’re feasting, laughing, and celebrating, there’s one little danger that often sneaks under the radar — our amazing festival food can be seriously harmful to our dogs.

I know, I know. Those puppy eyes during a mithai tray moment? Brutal. I’ve been there. My own pups have mastered the art of the silent stare when puris are being passed around. But I’ve also seen what happens when we give in — upset stomachs, emergency vet runs, and more stress than joy. It’s just not worth it.

So today, I’m sharing exactly what I make sure to avoid during the festive season, and how I keep my own dogs safe (and happy!) without missing out on the fun. Think of this as your festive pet safety playbook!

The ‘No-Go’ List: Festival Foods That Are Toxic or Just Trouble for Dogs

Our festive spreads are a delight for us, but a minefield for our furry friends. Here’s why some common Indian festival foods are absolute no-nos for your dog:

🍫 1. Chocolates & Mithai (The Sweetest Danger)

We absolutely love our Diwali sweets — barfis, laddoos, gulab jamuns, and so many more! But many of them are packed with sugar, or worse, contain cocoa or even hidden chocolate. Chocolate contains theobromine, a compound that dogs can’t process like we can, making it highly toxic to them. Even a small piece of dark chocolate can be incredibly dangerous.

• Even a little chocolate (especially dark chocolate or baking cocoa found in some desserts) can trigger:
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Restlessness and hyperactivity
  • Tremors
  • Seizures
  • In severe cases, even death
• Play it safe: No sweets for your pup. Ever. Their health is way sweeter!

🧅 2. Onions, Garlic & Alliums (So Many Indian Dishes Have These!)

This is a big one for Indian festivals because onions, garlic, and other alliums (like leeks and chives) are in almost everything savory, from samosas and pakoras to rich curries and dals, and even aromatic biryanis. For dogs, these ingredients contain compounds that damage and destroy red blood cells, which can lead to anemia.

• Symptoms often show up later, sometimes days after ingestion, and can include:
  • Lethargy and weakness
  • Pale gums
  • Reduced appetite
  • Dark, reddish urine
• Scary stuff — skip the table scraps entirely, as even cooked or powdered forms are dangerous.

🍇 3. Grapes & Raisins (Yes, Even a Few!)

This one always surprises most people, but it’s deadly serious. Grapes and raisins, commonly found in kheer, pulav, fruit chaat, and many mithais (kismis!), can cause sudden and severe kidney failure in dogs. And get this: it doesn’t matter if your dog’s had them before and seemed fine – one bad reaction is all it takes, and even a few can be enough to cause serious harm.

• Watch for:
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Lethargy
  • Decreased urination
  • Abdominal pain
• If you suspect your dog ate even one grape or raisin, call your vet immediately. Don’t wait.

🥜 4. Nuts (Macadamia, Walnuts, Almonds = Nope)

Many Indian sweets and snacks feature various nuts. While some nuts are merely high in fat, others are outright toxic. Macadamia nuts in particular are super dangerous to dogs, causing:

• Tremors
• Muscle weakness, especially in the hind legs
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Even other nuts like almonds and cashews, while not outright toxic, can lead to painful inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) because of their extremely high-fat content.
• So that kaju katli or badam barfi? Definitely not for your pup, no matter how much they beg!

🌶️ 5. Spicy & Fried Foods (Biryani, Puris, Curries… Yeah, All of It)

Our festival food is famous for being incredibly flavorful, often rich, oily, and spicy – all the things your dog’s sensitive digestive system wasn’t built for. Sharing even a small piece of a crispy puri, a rich biryani, or a spicy curry can lead to:

• Severe vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Intense abdominal pain
• And as mentioned before, the dreaded pancreatitis, which is very painful and can be life-threatening.
• Just because they beg for it doesn’t mean it’s okay. Their upset stomach won’t be worth the momentary “treat.”

🍷 6. Alcohol (And Yes, Some Desserts Have It!)

While less common in traditional Indian cooking, during celebrations with drinks flowing, alcohol can be a deadly danger to dogs. Even a small amount in discarded glasses, or accidentally consumed from fermented fruits or even some specific sweets, can be highly toxic. Alcohol rapidly affects their brain and liver.

• Signs of alcohol toxicity:
  • Disorientation
  • Vomiting
  • Lack of coordination (stumbling)
  • Tremors
  • Coma
• Let them celebrate with safe treats and belly rubs, not booze. Keep all alcoholic beverages securely out of reach.

🍗 7. Cooked Bones (Especially from Chicken or Mutton)

Those delicious leftover chicken bones from the biryani or mutton bones from the feast? They might seem like a natural treat, but cooked bones are incredibly dangerous. They become brittle, splinter easily, and can:

• Choke your dog
• Cause severe internal damage like tearing their digestive tract or puncturing internal organs
• Lead to blockages that require emergency surgery
• Stick to safe, vet-approved chew toys or specifically formulated raw bones only if your vet gives the green light and you understand the risks.

My Festival Safety Playbook: How I Keep My Dogs Happy (and Out of Trouble)

Okay, now that we know what to avoid, let’s talk about the fun part: how to include your pups in the festivities safely! I use these strategies every single festival, and they’ve made a huge difference for my peace of mind.

🗣️ 1. Educate Everyone (Yep, Even Your Aunties!)

This is my secret weapon to a stress-free celebration! Before guests arrive, I gently let everyone know: “Please don’t feed the dogs any human food. They’re on a special diet for their health!” People are usually understanding once they know it’s for their safety, not just because you’re being strict. I’ve even used a cute little sign near the food table during bigger gatherings: “Pawsitively No People Food for Pups! Thank you for helping us keep them healthy this Diwali!” It works like a charm!

🐾 2. Create a “Dog-Safe Zone”

Festival parties can be loud, crowded, and overwhelming, especially with the music and fireworks that often accompany them. I always make sure my dogs have a calm, cozy space away from the main food action and any loud noises.

• This could be a crate with their favorite bed, a separate quiet room, or a designated corner in a less chaotic area of the house.
• I make sure it has their water bowl, a favorite chew toy, and maybe even some low lights or calm music (or white noise) to drown out the loud sounds of firecrackers.
• It helps them relax and reduces their anxiety — and helps me focus on hosting without worrying about them getting into trouble.

🍗 3. Stock Up on Dog-Friendly Treats

If we’re feasting, my dogs are, too — just in their own safe way! This helps satisfy their begging instincts without compromising their health.

• Some of my go-to healthy, plain, dog-safe treats include:
  • Apple slices (seeds removed)
  • Carrot sticks
  • Plain, boiled chicken (unseasoned and shredded)
  • Store-bought, vet-approved dog biscuits
• Pro tip: You can even find Diwali-themed dog treats shaped like diyas or rangoli at many pet stores now! How cool is that? It makes them feel included in the festive spirit.

🍽️ 4. Keep Human Food Out of Reach

This sounds obvious, but amidst the party chaos and plates of deliciousness, it’s easy to forget:

• Push food trays and serving dishes away from the edges of counters and tables.
• Don’t leave mithai or snack plates on low coffee tables where curious noses and paws can reach them.
• Secure your trash can! Dogs are notorious for going “dumpster diving” for forbidden treats. Use a bin with a lid or keep it in a pantry.
• Supervise children to ensure they don’t accidentally drop food or “share” with the dog.

🚨 5. Be Ready for Emergencies

Even with the best precautions, accidents can happen. Being prepared is key to quick action.

• Have your regular vet’s number saved in your phone.
• Know where the nearest emergency vet is and their contact number, especially if your regular vet isn’t open 24/7 or during holidays. Write it down, too, in case your phone battery dies.
• If you suspect your dog ate something harmful, don’t wait for symptoms. Call your vet immediately! Some toxins work incredibly fast, and early action (like inducing vomiting safely, or administering specific treatments) can literally save lives. Don’t try home remedies unless advised by your vet.

Celebrate Safely: Happy Dogs = Happy You!

Festivals are meant for joy, togetherness, and celebration. Let’s make sure that joy extends to our beloved pets by keeping them safe, secure, and part of the fun in healthy ways.

Here’s how we make sure our own festival days are happy and safe at JoeyPetWorld:

• On Holi: While we’re splashing colors outside, my dogs chill indoors or in a shaded, secured garden corner with their favorite toys and special safe treats. No colors, no stress!
• On Diwali: We start with a long morning walk to tire them out before the evening’s festivities. Then, it’s special chew treats and extra cuddles during the fireworks. They still feel included, but in a way that’s safe and calm, away from the loud noises and tempting human food.

And remember: Love isn’t about sharing your food — it’s about protecting their health and ensuring they’re around for many more festivals to come.

Final Thoughts

Ticks suck, but festival food dangers are just as serious. You can totally stay ahead of them! With a little planning, clear communication, and lots of safe love, you can ensure your furry family members have a fantastic time, too.

Skip the table scraps, keep the toxic treats away, and give them the celebration they truly want: your attention, comfort, and plenty of safe cuddles.

Have a truly wonderful Holi, Diwali, or whichever festival you’re celebrating with your loved ones — both two-legged and four-legged!

Got a festival tip or fun way you include your pets in the celebration safely? Drop it in the comments! We’d love to hear from you.

🎉🐶 Stay safe, stay festive, and give your pups an extra snuggle from me and the whole gang at JoeyPetWorld!