How to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day Safely (and Festively!) with Your Pets

St. Patrick’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Irish culture with friends, family, and festive traditions. For pet parents, the fun isn’t complete without including their furry companions in the festivities. However, as with any holiday, there are unique safety concerns to be mindful of when pets are involved. With the right precautions and a little creativity, you can make St. Patrick’s Day both memorable and safe for all of your fur family members.

Common St. Patrick’s Day hazards for pets

As festive as the holiday is, St. Patrick’s Day can present hidden dangers for dogs and cats.

Corned beef, onions, and garlic

Corned beef is a staple of St. Patrick’s Day feasting, but it’s far from safe for your pets. Corned beef is heavily seasoned, high in sodium, and often cooked with garlic and onions, both of which are toxic to dogs and cats. Garlic and onions can damage a pet’s red blood cells, leading to anemia, while the high salt content in corned beef can cause dehydration, vomiting, and even sodium poisoning.

Pet-Safe Alternative: If you want to share the holiday meal with your pet, prepare a small portion of cooked, unseasoned, plain beef or chicken with the skin and fatty portions removed for them to enjoy. Avoid any marinades or spices, and serve it in moderation alongside their regular meal.

Alcohol and green beer

St. Patrick’s Day is famously associated with drinking. And while a pint of green beer might be fun for you, alcohol is highly dangerous for pets. Even a small amount can cause vomiting, diarrhea, coordination problems, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, seizures or coma. The green food coloring found in beer or cocktails also isn’t safe for animals, as it can cause gastrointestinal upset.

Pet-Safe Alternative: Toast to the holiday with your pet using non-alcoholic, pet-friendly beverages. Many brands now offer "dog beer," which is typically made from broth and safe herbs, or you can create your own by mixing low-sodium chicken broth with water. Cats might enjoy a small amount of tuna water as a festive treat.

Sweets and chocolate

Holiday desserts like cupcakes, cookies, and candies are another St. Patrick’s Day hazard for pets. Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and cats, and artificial sweeteners like xylitol can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar levels.

Pet-Safe Alternative: Make your own pet-friendly treats at home! For dogs, you can bake green dog biscuits using spinach or parsley for color, and for cats, consider homemade fishy treats using tuna or salmon. Or consider one of many commercially available options, as it is common to find seasonally tailored treats. As always, be careful about introducing any new treats to a pet, especially if they have a history of a sensitive GI or allergies.

Decorations and choking hazards

Glittering party decorations like beads, shamrock-shaped confetti, plastic leprechaun hats, and ribbons might look festive, but they can be a choking hazard or cause intestinal blockages if ingested by pets. Tinsel-like decorations are especially dangerous, as they can become tangled in a pet’s stomach or intestines, requiring surgery to remove.

Pet-Safe Alternative: Instead of risky decorations, opt for pet-safe accessories like a green bandana or a festive collar. Always supervise your pet if they’re in a decorated area or confine your pet in a separate area until the decorations are taken down.

Stress triggers from parties or loud gatherings

If you’re hosting a St. Patrick’s Day party, the combination of loud music, unfamiliar guests, and general excitement can be overwhelming for your pets. Dogs may bark excessively or pace, while cats may hide or display signs of anxiety like hissing or refusing to eat.

Pet-Safe Alternative: Create a quiet, safe space for your pet to retreat to during the party. Set up a cozy area with their favorite toys, blankets, and calming music to help them relax. Consider using a pet-calming spray or diffuser if they’re particularly anxious.

Safe ways to include pets in St. Patrick’s Day celebrations

Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with pets can be fun and safe when you tailor the festivities to include them.

Dress them up in festive attire

Show off your pet’s holiday spirit with St. Patrick’s Day-themed clothing or accessories. A green bandana, a shamrock-patterned bow tie, or a lightweight sweater can add a festive touch without causing discomfort.

Tips for safety:

• Ensure the outfit fits properly and doesn’t restrict your pet’s movement, breathing, or vision.
• Avoid costumes with small parts or beads that could be chewed off or swallowed.
• Always supervise your pet when they’re dressed up to prevent accidents.

Why you should never dye your pet’s fur

While it might seem fun to dye your pet’s fur green for St. Patrick’s Day, this practice is not recommended. Even pet-safe dyes can cause skin irritation, and the dyeing process can be stressful for animals. Additionally, pets may lick their fur, ingesting the dye and potentially leading to digestive upset.

Alternative ideas: Ask a professional groomer to use a pet-safe chalk or temporary sprays specifically designed for animals if you want to add a touch of green. These products are non-toxic, easy to apply, and wash out quickly.

Make pet-safe green treats

Get creative in the kitchen with homemade treats that fit the St. Patrick’s Day theme. Green foods like spinach, parsley, and cucumbers are safe for dogs and can be used to make festive biscuits or snacks. Cats might enjoy a small portion of cooked fish as a special treat.

DIY St Patrick's day dog treat recipe:

• Spinach dog biscuits: Blend fresh spinach with oat flour, peanut butter (xylitol-free), and an egg to form a dough. Cut into shamrock shapes and bake for a fun, festive treat.
• Catnip cookies: Mix catnip with whole wheat flour, egg, and a little water to create a dough. Bake into small, bite-sized pieces for a feline-friendly snack. And remember to always check with your vet before introducing any new treats.

Take a festive walk or host a photoshoot

Bring your pet along for a neighborhood walk dressed in their St. Patrick’s Day attire. This is a great way to enjoy the holiday without exposing your pet to the stress of large crowds or loud parties. Don’t forget to snap some photos of your pet in their holiday gear as these memories are worth cherishing!

Tips for a safe and festive St. Patrick’s Day

Accidents can happen, and it’s important to know what to do if your pet ingests something they shouldn’t.

• Supervise your pet: Keep a close eye on your pet during the festivities to prevent accidents or ingestion of harmful items.
• Stick to pet-safe foods: Avoid sharing table scraps and instead prepare a special treat for your pet.
• Know when to separate: If your pet seems stressed or overwhelmed, give them a quiet space to decompress.

What to do if your pet consumes something toxic

By following these tips, you can ensure St. Patrick’s Day is a joyful and safe experience for both two-legged and four-legged family members.

1. Identify the substance: Determine what your pet consumed, how much, and when.
2. Contact a Veterinarian or pet poison hotline: Reach out to your vet or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661.
3. Follow professional advice: Depending on the substance, you may be instructed to monitor your pet at home or bring them in for emergency treatment.

Why pet insurance matters on holidays like St. Patrick’s Day

Even with the best planning, accidents can happen during the excitement of holidays like St. Patrick’s Day. From a pet sneaking a toxic treat, to injuries caused by party chaos, emergencies can strike when you least expect them.

That’s why pet insurance, like Trupanion, is so essential. It’s a safety net that helps ensure unexpected vet bills don’t ruin your celebration, or your finances. With a reliable plan, you won't need to hesitate to seek treatment if something goes wrong. Knowing your pet is protected allows you to focus on enjoying the holiday instead of worrying about costly emergencies.