Saint Patrick’s Day food and safety tips for your dog

    food safety dog

Saint Patrick’s Day is a time for fun, laughter and festive treats, but it’s important to consider your dog’s safety while celebrating. From toxic foods to potential hazards in decorations, here’s how to make the holiday safe and enjoyable for your canine companion. In this article, we’ll share specific safety tips for dogs, from food hazards like Irish soda bread to hazardous Irish décor and what to do if your dog drinks beer or digs into your plate of corned beef and cabbage!

 

Food Safety

Can dogs drink beer?

Dogs and beer don’t mix. Small amounts of any type of alcohol can cause signs like vomiting, diarrhea, tremors and difficulty breathing. Dogs are more likely than cats to drink from unattended glasses or lick up spills, so extra precautions are needed to keep your dog safe. If you’re hosting a big event, confine your dog in a separate room with a treat-stuffed toy or puzzle mat to keep them entertained. 

Can dogs eat Irish soda bread?

This bread often contains raisins or currants, both of which are highly toxic to dogs. Even if made without these ingredients, Irish soda bread is typically made with high-fat buttermilk, which can cause a painful condition called pancreatitis. 

Is sharing corned beef and cabbage safe?

Gassy foods like cabbage can cause gastrointestinal upset and discomfort. A single piece of corned beef can contain over 3,000 mg of sodium and contains preservatives, herbs and spices that can make your dog sick. Corned beef is also high in fat, which can lead to gastrointestinal upset, including pancreatitis.

Safe treat idea: Include your dog in festivities by offering plain cooked green beans, carrots or sweet potatoes as a snack.

What to do:

  • Make sure your guests know they shouldn’t share their “human” food with your dog. 
  • If your dog’s a “counter surfer,” don’t leave plates unattended. 
  • Keep trash cans secured.
  • If your dog gets into alcohol, raisins or currants, contact your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (1-888-426-4435) right away.

Decoration Safety

Decorating with lucky charms is part of the Saint Patrick’s Day fun! But some decorations could be a danger to your dog. Keep your dog’s safety in mind as you decorate for the holiday with these tips:

  • Keep decorations off the ground to prevent chewing or choking.
  • Avoid small items like coins, beads or strings that could be swallowed.
  • Ensure trash bags containing food or decorations are secured, as your dog may rummage for leftovers.

Are shamrocks safe for dogs?

Known for luck, shamrocks aren’t so lucky if your dog takes a nibble. They contain calcium oxalates, which can cause drooling, vomiting and gastrointestinal upset. If consumed in larger quantities, they may lead to more severe symptoms, including kidney damage. Place shamrocks well out of reach.

As the Irish would say, "May good luck pursue you each morning and night.” But if you do need help this Saint Patrick’s Day, call your VCA veterinarian or, if it’s after hours, access free Live Chat through the myVCA™ app.

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*Live Chat with a licensed veterinary professional is free for VCA clients through the myVCA™ mobile app, available at Apple’s App Store and Google Play.