Celebrate St. Patrick's Day With Your Pet
Holidays are more enjoyable and memorable when shared with a pet family member. Therefore, don't forget about your pets when enjoying St. Patrick's Day! Here are fun and safe pet-friendly activities for this boisterous occasion!
Five Fun Activities for St. Patrick's Day
Join a Pet-friendly St. Patrick's Day Parade
If there are any local parades near you, think about going so you and your furry companion enjoy the festivities. As with the Fourth of July, exercise caution around loud noises from the parade and spectators since some pets may get startled.
Still, a parade is a fantastic opportunity for your furball to get some exercise and experience new sights and smells. Always check online to see if this specific event is pet-friendly, and consult your veterinarian before bringing your fluffy baby into crowded places.
Don't forget to install your trusty car cover if you drive to the event.
Dress Your Fluffy Friend in Green
It's always cute to dress alike, and this is the time to buy matching shamrock hats, bandanas, beanies, and leprechaun outfits. Make sure that the costumes are not uncomfortable or present a hazard.
You can also visit a groomer in your neighborhood and ask for a cool St. Patrick's Day-themed natural fur coloration for your cat or dog.
They may also have pet-friendly paint if you prefer a temporary pet tattoo.
Don't forget to take lots of cute photos and upload them to your social media!
Buy Green Toys and Treats
An adorable leprechaun toy, a green catnip toy, or a green bone for your pet to chew on are ideal St. Patrick's Day gifts. Your beloved buddy can even choose from entire areas in stores like Petco, particularly for this occasion!
Also, don't forget to add green treats to your cart! Green apple cookies, spinach doggie bones, and green smoothies are all excellent options.
More recipes can be found online, but make sure they are safe choices and consult your veterinarian if you have questions.
Celebrate at a Pet-friendly Restaurant
More and more restaurants offer pet-friendly accommodations, and you and your pet can go for a nice St. Patrick's Day date. Most pet-friendly restaurants have available water bowls and treats for sale so your Fluffy Friend can enjoy themselves.
Throw a St. Patrick's Day Costume Pet Party
Consider hosting a gathering of friends who have dogs or cats. It will be more fun if you all dress up in costumes. Prepare a variety of snacks and toys for the pets and, of course, your friends.
We're sure the party will tire your pup or kitty out, so prepare a comfortable orthopedic pillow for them to rest on.
Related: Celebrating Chinese New Year With Your Pets
Three Things to Watch Out For
While parties are enjoyable for us, keeping poisons and potential hazards out of your pet's reach is essential. Here are some precautions that you should know:
Shamrock
Shamrocks are available in either purple or green. And around the beginning of March, these cheerful, festive plants are given as decorative presents for friends and family.
These plants are unsuitable for pets, as even small amounts can upset the stomach and result in drooling, trembling, and vomiting.
If significant amounts are consumed, it can lead to severe issues such as renal damage and a drop in the blood calcium level.
Luckily, most animals avoid consuming many of these plants because of their bitter flavor.
Irish Soda Bread
A typical dish served on St. Patrick's Day is Irish soda bread. Be advised that raisins, which can lead to kidney failure in dogs, are present in this bread. During celebrations, it's ideal for giving your Fluffy Friend their veterinarian-approved healthy snacks.
Green Beer
It's almost impossible not to spot green beer at St. Patrick's Day events and gatherings. And any alcoholic beverage can harm your pet.
Within an hour of ingesting an unattended or spilled beverage, a pet may exhibit symptoms of intoxication. Consuming alcohol will make it difficult for them to walk, and they may also experience an upset stomach.
Dogs that have consumed a lot of alcohol may have a weaker gag response and be more likely to inhale vomit and get aspiration pneumonia. So, always keep an eye on your beverage and keep it off the ground or on low tables where pets can easily get to it.
During parties, put your pet in a quiet, safe room with a filled feeding bowl, pee pads, and a comfortable bed.
Related: The Ultimate Guide to Travelling With Your Dog
Five Irish Breeds That You May Not Know
To further cement our St. Patrick's Day celebration, here are five adorable Irish dog breeds:
Irish Wolfhound
Also known as the Irish dog, Great Hound of Ireland, and Greyhound (Grehounds) of Ireland, the Irish Wolfhound is one of the tallest canines.
The breed is impressive in combining strength, speed, and good sight.
These puppies reach their peak weight of 100 pounds in just six months. However, despite its size, this shaggy dog is calm and quiet.
The Irish Wolfhound is loving and enjoys spending time with people.
Irish Terrier
As one of the oldest terrier breeds, the Irish Terrier was first documented as a recognized breed in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1875.
His temperament is a reflection of his upbringing as a family pet, watchdog, and hunter. The Irish Terrier is lively and well-mannered.
He's also a friendly and obedient dog that will bravely adjust to any circumstance, demonstrating his steadfast loyalty to his owner.
Irish Terriers can both be a playmate and fierce guard dogs.
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
Games are fun for the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, especially involving kids. The majority of this breed enjoys interacting with new people and animals.
He loves to travel with the family and greets friends with tremendous delight. The Wheaten is intelligent, quick to pick things up, and enjoys a daily dose of exercise in large amounts.
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a square-shaped, medium-sized, resilient, athletic terrier. His warm wheaten coat is silky, soft, and gently waving.
A fun fact is that Wheaten's association with St. Patrick's Day is particularly noteworthy. As St. Patrick's Day is celebrated every March 17, the Irish Kennel Club Championship Show saw the debut of the Wheaten on March 17, 1937.
And according to the American Kennel Club, on the same day in 1962, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of America was established.
Kerry Blue Terrier
The Kerry Blue Terrier is an industrious breed that hunts on water and land. It is also an excellent guard dog for homes and farms as it kills rats as well as herds sheep and calves.
Kerry Blue Terriers are typically used in England as police canines for guarding and trailing. The Kerry Blue is a versatile, all-purpose working terrier.
The breed was used for small game and bird hunting aside from retrieving from land and water in Ireland and England.
Glen of Imaal Terrier
The Glen of Imaal Terrier breed was initially bred to hunt badgers and foxes, clear the home and farm of rats, and track.
However, they act as turnspit dogs, like a canine-powered rotisserie.
To illustrate, the Glen runs on a giant wheel that turns a spit over the fireplace, therefore, cooking the meat over the spit.
This breed is courageous and spirited but is also kind and submissive. Despite typically being less excitable than other terriers, Glens are always willing to give chase.
Related: 6 Tips to Help Your Dog with Separation Anxiety
Conclusion
Overall, celebrating St. Patrick's Day with your Fluffy Friends and family is always a great idea. Still, be cautious with all the food that you prepare as well as the decorations. Avoid decors that may be choking hazards and food that may be toxic.
Happy St. Patrick's Day from all of us here at Mr. Fluffy Friend!
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