As St. Patrick's Day festivities approach, pet owners are preparing to celebrate the holiday with friends, family, and their beloved pets. From exciting local parades to traditional Irish music and feasts, the spirit of St. Patrick's Day is contagious.
In recent years, pet owners have been finding creative ways to include their four-legged friends in the festivities. However, it's important to realize that some experiences can be overwhelming for your pet. Agria is here to help make St. Patrick's Day stress-free for both you and your pet.
Keep the shamrock away:
Shamrocks are often seen as a symbol of good luck and are associated with St. Patrick's Day, and are, in fact, beautiful plants that many people enjoy gifting and displaying during this festive period. However, pet owners should be aware that ingesting large amounts of shamrock, especially Oxalis shamrock, can pose a danger to dogs.
“While small amounts of shamrock will not cause serious harm, large amounts can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, Ingesting large amounts of shamrock can cause more serious problems such as kidney damage,” says Robin Hargreaves, Veterinary Director at Agria Pet Insurance.
Avoid chocolate and alcohol.
It's tempting to share St. Patrick's Day treats with your pet, but remember that many festive foods and drinks, such as chocolate, alcohol, and sweets, can be harmful to pets. please. Keep these treats out of reach and choose pet-friendly alternatives instead. If you are concerned that your pet has eaten something, you should not immediately contact your veterinarian.
Soda bread with raisins:
Some Irish soda breads contain raisins. Raisins can cause kidney failure and death in dogs. If you are concerned that your dog has eaten soda bread or a sweet treat containing raisins, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Please reduce the volume:
Loud noises from parties and celebrations can be distressing for pets, so it's important to keep the volume down. Consider creating a quiet space for your pet to retreat to if the noise becomes overwhelming.
Avoid walking during busy hours.
St. Patrick's Day festivities often fill the streets with crowds and noise, which can be unsettling for pets. It's best to avoid walking your pet during busy hours early in the day. Instead, choose quiet times and routes to ensure your comfort and health.
St. Patrick's Day is a fun celebration for pets, but it's essential to celebrate responsibly. Be mindful of your pet's behavior and comfort level to avoid overwhelming them during the festival. Happy St. Patrick’s Day to my immediate family!