New York City, and other cities are about to get green. Not green with envy or ecologically green, but St. Patrick’s Day green. Many of us will don green hats or a sweater with an embroidered shamrock emblazoned on the front. Pets wearing St. Patrick’s Day finery are adorable, but some of the other St. Paddy’s Day traditions can be downright dangerous for pets.

Green Beer and Irish Whiskey
For those hosting a St. Patrick’s Day party, monitor the coffee table and other low surfaces for unfinished alcoholic beverages. Your dog might decide to take a nip or two of these available beverages in honor of the Irish saint, but because dogs are smaller than we are and are not used to drinking alcohol, they can quickly develop alcohol poisoning.

Another tip to avoid a pet crisis during your St. Patrick’s Day party: give Fluffy and Fido their own party space away from your guests. Their own space will protect them against unwanted escape as your guests arrive or depart. But just to be safe, be sure your pets are wearing their collars and name tags under their St. Paddy’s Day garb.

Shamrock Plants
The shamrock, or white clover, is a plant traditionally associated with the Emerald Isle and St. Patrick. History suggests the Irish wore shamrocks on their clothing to honor St. Patrick on his feast day. Today, shamrock plants can be found in your neighborhood grocery store and brighten up window sills at this gloomy time of year. Shamrocks contain oxalate which, if the plant is eaten, is irritating to the intestinal tract. Pet familes should find decorations other than live shamrock plants for the St. Paddy’s holiday season.

Irish Soda Bread
Out of financial necessity, the Irish popularized soda bread. Irish soda bread uses inexpensive ingredients like flour, sour milk and a bit of sugar. Today this tasty, raisin loaded loaf appeals to everyone, including your dog. But keep your loaf away from your dog, since ingestion of even a few raisins or currants can permanently damage your dog’s kidneys.

Green Foil Wrapped Chocolate Shamrocks
Leprechauns often leave foil wrapped chocolate shamrocks as gifts in honor of the patron saint of Ireland. They intend for the chocolate to be eaten by humans. Dogs will happily consume the chocolate and the foil wrapping, leading to an upset stomach. If a large number of these chocolate treats are consumed, dogs can become excitable and develop a very elevated heart rate. Find some shamrock shaped dog biscuits if you are looking for a special dog treat.

If you are wearin’ the green be safe and have a happy St. Patrick’s Day!