Saint Patrick’s Day food and safety tips for your dog
March 17 marks Saint Patrick’s Day—a time to spend with friends celebrating togetherness, gratitude and, of course, luck! Green-themed parties that feature good food and drink are the norm for this special holiday celebrated all around the world. In this article, we’ll share some tips to help give your dog the luck of the Irish this Saint Paddy’s Day!
Food Safety
Beer. Whether it’s green or not, beer is toxic to dogs. Quickly wipe up spills, keep bottles or cans off the floor and glasses on high tables where your dog can’t lap up a few drinks. And make sure you and your guests don't leave beer unattended. If you expect it to be a rollicking good time, consider confining your dog in a separate room with a treat-stuffed toy or puzzle mat to keep them entertained.
Irish stew. It isn’t Saint Patrick’s Day without Irish stew on the menu! While it’s a delicious, hearty meal for your guests, it can spell trouble for your dog. Made with lamb or sometimes beef, Irish stew is quite rich and can cause gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting, diarrhea or even acute pancreatitis, a painful condition.
Irish soda bread. As the name suggests, Irish soda bread doesn’t actually rise with the magic of yeast—which can pose its own risks—but instead is leavened with baking soda! Made with high-fat buttermilk and often raisins or currants, this bread is not safe to share with your dog. The fat content can cause gastrointestinal upset, and raisins and currants are toxic to dogs.
Make sure your guests know they shouldn’t share the good food with your dog, watch out if your dog’s a “counter surfer,” don’t leave plates unattended and keep trash cans secured. Instead, prepare a little Irish supper for your dog with a small “green” plate of chopped green beans, broccoli and lettuce!
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 of decorations could be a danger to your dog. Keep your dog’s safety in mind as you decorate for the holiday with these tips.
Shamrocks. The luck of the Irish is associated with the shamrock, but unfortunately these plants contain calcium oxalates. If your dog eats shamrock leaves, they may experience drooling and gastrointestinal upset. If enough of the shamrock is consumed, more serious effects can result. Place shamrocks well out of your dog’s reach.
Decorations. Choose pet-safe decorations, avoiding items that can easily be chewed or pose a choking hazard for your dog. Keep decorations up high, out of your dog’s reach, and ensure they’re well fastened so they won’t fall.
As the Irish would say, "Wherever you go and whatever you do, may the luck of the Irish be with you!” 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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