St. Patrick's Day Safety Tips

St. Patrick’s day is quickly approaching. This holiday has it all: shamrocks, rainbows, leprechauns, green rivers, and everything lucky. However, for pets it can accidentally become lucky. Here are a few tips to keep luck on their side. 

Alcohol
A little green beer never hurt right? Wrong! Ethanol, a chemical found in alcohol is highly toxic to pets. The chemical is absorbed within 20-30 minutes of ingestion causing vomiting, diarrhea, disorientation, and difficulty breathing. In serve cases, coma, hypothermia, seizures, heart failure, and death have occurred because of “a little beer”. Keep all alcoholic beverages out of reach and immediately clean spills to avoid all possibilities of ingestion.

Dye and Costumes
Wear green or be pinched? Although a green coat would be perfect and stylish, unfortunately, our fur babies were not naturally born with one. Coat dying is a new trend which should be left to the professionals. Human dyes consists of many highly toxic chemicals not only if ingested, they also can cause severe skin irritation and allergic reactions. Consult with a professional groomer that has coat dying experience to avoid a bad fur day disaster. If you are going the costume route, make sure to purchase one that is comfortable, non-restricting, light weight and free of any chewable parts. Be sure to choose a costume that does not impair your pet’s vision, movement, or air intake. Perhaps a simple green bandana or a collar will give them the perfect splash of Irish representation.

Special Events
Parties, parades, and bars are a fun place to socialize, but can be overwhelming for pets. Make sure there is always a safe place for your pets to relax. For those who might be shy or scared, leave them home, or in a safe room away from the festivities. Remember to have your pet’s identification updated with your current contact information.  A collar with tags and a registered microchip will increase the chances for your pet’s safe return, if they were to get lost.

River Mill Animal Hospital would like to wish everyone a safe and lucky St. Patrick’s Day. If you have any questions regarding the above topics or about updating your microchip information, please do not hesitate to call.