Keeping Pets Safe During St. Patrick’s Day

With St. Patrick’s Day right around the corner, many of us may be tempted to join in on the Irish celebration with a drink or two. With every holiday however, pet moms and dads need to be extra cautious when our fur-babies join in on the festivities. Alcohol and pets just don’t mix. There is nothing wrong with humans drinking alcohol in moderation, but our pets should be left out of it.

Cats and dogs can’t metabolize alcohol the same way that their human companions can. Alcohol poisoning sets in much quicker and with much less alcohol consumed. Ingestion of alcohol by pets has the same effects as it does on humans. It depresses the CNS or central nervous system. Depression of the CNS is what we imagine when we think of a drunk person. Blurry vision, stumbling, lethargy, trouble breathing, and in serious cases death.

Dogs and cats exhibit these features of alcohol impairment too. And if you notice your pet having trouble walking, urinating or defecating without seeming to know, or having trouble breathing, chances are they may have gotten into something that contains alcohol.

If you are having a party where alcohol is involved, the best thing to do is get your pets out of that space. Designating a special room may be the best option so that your pet doesn’t wander into the party and lap up a forgotten drink. But alcoholic beverages are not the only dangers posed to your pets.

Any house hold product containing alcohol is a no go for your four-legged-friend. Petmd lists that; “disinfectants, mouthwash, paint, perfume, and pharmaceuticals” can all cause alcohol poisoning. Think of things that you would keep out of reach of a small child and chances are you should keep them out of your pets reach too. All of these common houses hold items could be eaten accidentally by your pet and pose a potential threat to their health.

Alcohol, or products that contain alcohol, should always be kept out of places that are easily accessible to your pets. Putting beverages on the floor or on a table that your cat or dog can get to is a bad idea. If someone tries to give your pet alcohol intervene and tell them that it can harm your pet. And if the party seems to be getting out of control it is probably in your best interest to have a separate party room for your pets.

Medicines should be kept up high and other products your pet could get into should be kept in a cabinet or a shelf up high. As we all know, sometimes our pets, especially our dogs, like to chew on things and rip into the garbage. Dispose of all containers that may contain alcohol or products containing alcohol safely. This will reduce the chances of your pets ingesting a toxic substance.

If you think that your pet has ingested any alcohol, you should watch their behaviors. Taking the action to seek emergency veterinary care is the safest way to assure that your pet will have timelylife saving intervention.

Special occasions and everyday life are full of potential health hazards to our pets. Being responsible and vigilant can help us as pet parents make the best decisions regarding our pet’s health. Having a couple drinks is fine for pet parents, but our fur-babies are much better off sticking to good-old fashioned water.