St. Patrick’s Day is nearly here, and many are getting into the spirit to celebrate the Irish holiday! St. Patty’s Day is typically known for fun, high energy festivities, and while we love the traditions like beer, Irish soda bread, corned beef and cabbage, and shamrocks, did you know which St. Patty’s Day treats can be dangerous for your dog or cat?
Celebrations are fun for us, but it is best to keep potential hazards and toxins out of your pet’s way. Below, you’ll find the Zoetis Pet Products and ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC)‘s top tips for keeping your furry friends safe, happy and healthy!
Shamrocks
Shamrocks come in two different colors. The green shamrock is Oxalis acetosellar and the purple shamrocks are Oxalis triangularis. These bright, festive plants make their appearance as gifts for friends and family around the beginning of March and are often used to bring a bit of the “green” into our homes. However, these plants are not appropriate for pets and can cause stomach upset, drooling and head shaking when small amounts are ingested. If large amounts are ingested, there are more severe concerns such as a decrease in the blood calcium level and kidney damage. Luckily the bitter taste of these plants deters most animals from eating a large amount.
Alcohol
Green beer and whiskey can almost always be found available at St. Patrick’s Day venues and parties. Alcohol in general can be as attractive to our pets as it is to humans, and due to their size, it does not take much alcohol get our four-legged friends into trouble. When a pet gets into an unattended or spilled drink, they may show signs of depression and drunkenness within about an hour. This will cause difficulty walking and stomach upset.
Dogs who have ingested large amounts of alcohol may have a decreased gag reflex and are at risk for aspiration pneumonia if they inhale the vomit into their lungs. Always keep your eye one your beverage and do not place it on the floor or on a low table where pets can have easy access. If you cannot always monitor your pet, it’s best to put them in a quiet, safe room until the party has come to an end.
Irish Soda Bread
Believe it or not, this traditional food is hazardous to pets. Why? The yeast in the raw dough ferments in the stomach and produces alcohol. When absorbed by the bloodstream, it’s toxic. Additionally, when the dough reaches the stomach, it expands due to the warm and moist environment leading to a bloated and distended stomach.
Whether you make your own bread or buy a pre-made loaf, you must keep it away from your pets. This bread also often contains raisins and currants, both of which are toxic. Ingestion can cause severe kidney damage and even kidney failure.
Corned Beef and Cabbage
Corned beef and cabbage are synonymous with St. Patrick’s Day. For people who overdo it, the worst consequence is usually a stomachache from overeating. But for our pets, the results are more dangerous. These foods are high in fat and salt, and high-fat foods can cause gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting, diarrhea, and even acute pancreatitis, which can land your pet in the ER.
You can enjoy your special meal while protecting your pet by taking these precautions:
- Do not give your pet any scraps of these foods.
- Do not leave plates unattended.
- Be sure to cover all food on the counters.
- Place food out of reach before, during, and after the meal.
- Be sure to place all scraps in a secure trash can.
Parades, Crowds, and Parties
There is nothing like the excitement of St. Patrick’s Day parades and parties. These events also mean crowds of people and lots of noise. Even the most socialized pets can get overwhelmed by all of this.
Keep these tips in mind to help keep your pet safe and lower their stress:
- Leave Them at Home
The best thing to do for some pets is let them skip the parades and crowds. - Create a Quiet Space
If you expect a lot of noise, confine your pet to a quiet room with dim lighting and distractions such as a TV or radio. If they’re crate trained, you can confine them to a crate that is partially covered. Make it a positive experience with food puzzles or toys. - Keep Them Close
If you take your pet to a parade or other event, be sure you have a secure leash and harness with ID tags. - Set Ground Rules
If you’re having a party, make sure guests are mindful of doors, so pets don’t escape. They should also know the food and alcohol rules — none for your pets. - Talk to Your Veterinarian
For severe cases of stress, fear, or anxiety, speak to your veterinarian about supplements, medications, or pheromones that may help relax your pet.
Decorations
Many decorations look like toys and may seem fun for pets to play with. But there are risks, which include choking, getting tangled up in streamers or lights, being shocked by chewing on cords, and intestinal obstruction if they ingest decorations.
Use pet-safer decorations. Avoid things that can easily be chewed, swallowed, or cause your pet to choke. Stringy decorations are often very enticing to cats. Watch for decorations that look too much like your pet’s toys and avoid them. You might even consider sticking to high wall and ceiling decorations. Make sure they’re well-secured so they won’t fall. Most importantly, don’t leave your pets unattended in a room full of decorations.
Have Fun Knowing Your Pet is Safe
Following these safety guidelines will help keep your pet out of trouble and allow you to have the best time at your St. Patrick’s Day bash. Be sure to keep an eye on the items in your home and keep them out of paws’ reach. If you believe your pet has ingested something potentially toxic or seems to be having an adverse reaction to something, please contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately.
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