NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — If you're looking to keep your furry friend by your side while celebrating St. Patrick's Day weekend, here's an Irish guide to keeping them safe from potential danger. Don't rely on luck.
VCA Veterinary Hospital shared some safety tips worth gold for both dogs and cats.
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For example, green-themed parties with delicious food and drinks are common around St. Patrick's Day, but there are also certain items that should be kept away from animals, according to VCA Veterinary Hospital.
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Beer: Regardless of whether beer is green or not, it is still toxic to pets. So wipe up spills immediately, keep bottles and cans off the floor, and place glasses on high tables where your dog or cat can't reach them. Don't jump up and leave your beer unattended. If you think your party will be a “fun and good time,” consider putting your furry friend in a separate room and keeping them entertained with treats, stuffed animals, and puzzle mats.
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Irish stew: While this hearty meal may be delicious for your guests, it can be dangerous for your pet. Irish stews made with lamb and sometimes beef are very rich and can cause gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting, diarrhea, and acute pancreatitis.
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Irish soda bread: This bread is not raised by yeast, but rather by baking soda. However, this bread is often made with high-fat buttermilk, as well as raisins and currants, so it's not safe to share with pets. Not only can their fat content cause gastrointestinal upset, but raisins and currants are toxic to dogs and cats.
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For those planning to host St. Patrick's Day festivities, experts warn guests not to share delicious food with their furry friends, and be wary of your dog becoming a 'counter surfer' She recommends doing things like closing the kitchen if the cat prefers it. Walk around your countertops, keep trash cans secure, and don't leave dishes unattended.
Meanwhile, you can also prepare a small plate of chopped green beans, broccoli, and lettuce to give your pet a little Irish dinner.
If your pet still ingests alcohol, raisins, or currants in their paws, we recommend contacting your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control immediately. 1-888-426-4435.
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However, food isn't the only thing that can cause a party foul for your furry friend. When it comes to your animal's safety, decorations can be a bad omen, so keep these tips from VCA Veterinary Hospital in mind.
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Shamrock: These may be a major symbol of Ireland, but these plants also contain calcium oxalate, so keep them out of reach of animals. If your pet eats shamrock leaves, it can cause drooling and gastrointestinal upset, but ingesting enough of this plant can cause more serious effects.
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Decoration: Avoid items that can be easily chewed up or pose a choking hazard for your furry friend. Decorations should also be placed high up, out of reach of animals, and securely secured to prevent them from falling.
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