Happy St. Pawtrick’s Day! St. Patrick’s Day is a great time for parades, music, leprechauns, an Irish Stout or a green beer, and celebrating with friends and strangers alike. But before involving your pet in the festivities, please consider these tips, and be mindful of what is in your four-legged friends’ best interest.
1. Crowds
Taking your dog to the parade or the local dog-friendly bar will probably be very overwhelming for your dog. The combination of noise, commotion, tight spaces and inebriated partygoers do not equal a safe environment for your dog.
Do enjoy a walk with your dog (before you partake in the green beer!) When you take your dog for a walk: avoid crowds, walk away from bars, and do not use a retractable leash. Personally, I am not a fan of retractable leashes in any situation, but they are especially dangerous in crowds where the leash can easily become entangled around legs.
2. Alcohol
Absolutely no alcohol for your pets. Small amounts can significantly affect our pets and, in some cases, have even been deadly. Do not leave drinks on coffee tables, counters or anywhere your pet can reach. If there is a spill, clean it up promptly yourself; this particular clean-up is not a job for Fido. Instruct your guests as well and have toys and a few dog treats (not too many!) available for your guests to use to interact positively with your pet.
3. Wearing o’ the Green
Dying or painting your pet’s fur may seem like a fun way to get him involved in the day, but it can cause (sometimes severe) skin irritation as well as toxicity if your pet ingests the dye or paint when grooming/licking his fur. If this is a must-do for you, use products that are vegetable-based and specifically made for pets.
We hope you and your pets have a safe St. Patrick’s Day weekend! If your pet does experience an emergency, contact your family veterinarian. If your family veterinarian is unavailable, both our Oakdale and St. Paul clinics are open 24/7, every day of the year.
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