St. Patrick’s Day with Pets? Here’s How to Party Safely!
St. Patrick’s Day: Keeping Your Pets Safe While You Celebrate
St. Patrick’s Day is a fun celebration of Irish heritage—whether you’re Irish, Irish-adjacent, or just enjoying the festivities! But nothing can ruin the fun faster than an emergency trip to the vet. To ensure the only stories you tell the next morning are happy and hilarious, keep these essential pet safety tips in mind.
How Colostrum Can Help Your Pet Stay Fit
One natural way to help your pet maintain a healthy weight is through colostrum. This powerful ingredient supports metabolism, energy balance, and overall health, making it an excellent addition to your pet’s diet.
Our Supplements with Colostrum
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These supplements are designed to help support your pet’s metabolism and promote a healthy weight, keeping them happy and active for years to come. By incorporating colostrum into your pet’s daily routine, you can help them stay fit and healthy, giving them the best chance to live a long, vibrant life.
Leave the Beer to the Humans!
Alcohol is extremely toxic to cats and dogs, even in small amounts. The symptoms of alcohol poisoning can be severe and include:
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Lack of coordination
- Difficulty breathing
- Seizures, coma, or even death
Signs of alcohol poisoning in pets can appear within an hour of ingestion. If you or your guests are drinking, be sure to keep all beverages out of your pets’ reach. If you suspect your pet has ingested alcohol, contact your veterinarian or an emergency vet immediately.
Shamrocks: Not So Lucky for Pets
Shamrock plants (Oxalis species) are sometimes given as gifts on St. Patrick’s Day, but they can be toxic to cats and dogs. While the bitter taste usually prevents pets from eating large amounts, ingestion can still lead to:
- Stomach upset
- Drooling
- Head shaking
- Decreased appetite
In larger quantities, Oxalis can cause low blood calcium levels and kidney damage. Keep shamrock plants out of reach, and opt for pet-safe decorations instead.
St. Patrick’s Day Foods: Do’s & Don’ts for Pets
While it’s tempting to share your St. Patrick’s Day feast with your furry friend, certain foods can be dangerous to pets. Here are some foods to avoid:
- Salty/Fatty Foods – Traditional dishes like corned beef and mashed potatoes can be dangerously high in salt and fat, increasing the risk of salt toxicity and pancreatitis.
- Raisins & Currants – Found in Irish soda bread, these can cause severe kidney damage in dogs, leading to acute kidney failure.
- Onion & Garlic – Common in shepherd’s pie and pot roast, these ingredients can cause anemia in pets, with symptoms like weakness, lethargy, and pale gums. Cats are especially sensitive to onion toxicity.
A Fun Treat for Your Pup: Shamrock Dog Biscuits!
Want to include your pup in the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations? Making green dog treats is a fun and healthy way to do just that. Here’s a simple recipe for Shamrock Dog Biscuits:
Ingredients:
- 3 1/2 cups organic brown rice flour
- 4 tbsp coconut oil (warmed to liquid)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Make the “green juice”: Blend coconut oil, mint, parsley, and 1/4 cup chicken broth until smooth.
- Mix the dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and green juice. Add the egg and mix well. Slowly add the remaining chicken broth until a dough forms.
- Roll & cut: Roll dough to 1/4–1/3 inch thick, cut into shapes, and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes. Let cool before serving.
Now you have adorable, healthy green dog treats for your pup to enjoy!
Pet Safety in Crowds & Parades
As much fun as parades and gatherings can be, they’re not always the best place for pets. Loud noises, crowds, and unpredictable situations can be overwhelming—even for confident pets. Here are some tips if you must bring your pet to a St. Patrick’s Day parade or event:
- ID Tags & Secure Harness – Make sure your pet is wearing proper identification and a secure harness.
- Non-Retractable Leash – Keep your pet on a sturdy, non-retractable leash to ensure better control.
- Loud Noises & Intoxicated People – Be mindful of loud noises and intoxicated individuals that may be in the crowd.
For house parties, create a safe space where your pet can retreat if they need some peace and quiet. Remind guests to be cautious with doors opening and closing to avoid any escapes.
Dressing Up Your Pet
If your pet enjoys dressing up, that’s great! Just make sure their costume is comfortable, non-toxic, and safe. If you plan to dye your pet’s fur, only use pet-safe dyes and always check labels carefully. When in doubt, consult your vet or a professional groomer for recommendations.
Stay Safe & Enjoy the Festivities!
We hope you have a fun and safe St. Patrick’s Day! But if you do need emergency veterinary care, don’t hesitate to call or visit your nearest emergency vet clinic.
Heal Your Pet At Home!
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