St. Patrick’s Day may not be the biggest holiday of the year, but it still gets a pretty decent amount of fanfare. For many, it’s one of the first official markers of the seasonal change to spring. It’s also a good day for not only Irish folk, but also anyone who likes corned beef, green beer, or leprechauns. Your pet may also want to get in on the fun! A local veterinarian discusses the Irish holiday in this article.
What Dog Breeds Are Irish?
Several of our canine pals hail from the Emerald Isle. They’re of course all adorable, and all Very Good Boys who deserve their turn in the spotlight.
- Irish Setter: This cheerful pup is on the larger end of the spectrum for both size and heart. Fido may weigh up to 70 pounds, and can grow up to 27 inches at the shoulder. The Irish Setter manages to be both elegant and goofy. Loyal, fun-loving and a bit reckless, this canine redhead can definitely steal hearts.
- Irish Water Spaniel: This liver-colored pup carries the distinctive honor of being the AKC’s tallest spaniel. (Of course, if you try and tell Fido that, he’ll probably just tilt his head and look at you with that adorable questioning look. As you can probably guess from the name, this lovable pup loves to swim, which explains why he is sporting a waterproof coat.
- Irish Terrier: The Irish Terrier, or Brocaire Rua, is one of the oldest types of terrier. Active, loyal, and robust, these dogs sport tough red coats. The pups were utilized as messengers in World War I. They were described as being the poor man’s sentinel, farmer’s friend, and gentleman’s favorite in F. M. Jowett’s book The Irish Terrier.
- Kerry Blue Terrier: This debonair pup is a popular farm dog. Originally bred to hunt small animals like rats and rabbits, the breed also hunts deer and wolves. Named after his county of origin, the pup has thick, curly blue fur and a rather unique-looking beard.
- Irish Wolfhound: Few breeds have as distinguished a history as the Irish Wolfhound. The pups were given to Roman Consulates as gifts way back in 391 AD. The Gaels, an ancient Irish tribe, used them as hunting dogs, referring to them as Cú Faoil. You may also want to look up the pooch who has made headlines recently for becoming the buddy and caretaker of a litter of kittens.
- Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier: This cheerful bloke sports a cute beard and a lot of personality. These happy, playful pups can be a bit stubborn, but they are overall great dogs whose goofy, lovable personalities are bound to melt your heart.
- Glen of Imaal Terrier: Small but feisty, this little dog has a big personality. Fido’s full name is Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier, or the Wicklow Terrier, but he often goes by Glen. Rumor has it that the pup’s roots trace back to the reign of Elizabeth I, and that he is descended from the dogs of soldiers that Good Queen Bess, as she was known, sent to Ireland to put down a rebellion.
What Are Some Irish Dog Legends?
Irish has a fascinating cultural history, one that Fido features pretty prominently in. The most famous Irish canine isn’t a dog at all: that would be Cú Chulainn, a mythical warrior whose name translates to ‘Hound of Cula.’ Then there are Bran and Sceólang, the canine companions of warrior-poet Fionn mac Cumhaill. Described as being white with purple back ends, a red tail, and blue paws, the mythical dogs were said to have been born of a woman who was transformed into a dog by sorcery. There’s also the Dobhar-chú. This legendary pooch was believed to have lived in Ireland’s loughs. Last but not least, we have the Hounds of Annwn, a pack of supernatural canines.
Safety Tips For Dog Owners
Our canine pals are always more than happy to celebrate holidays. There’s nothing wrong with giving your pet something special. Don’t share that corned beef, though: it’s much too salty for Man’s Best Friend. A Shamrock shake also isn’t on our list of approved treats. (Fido could have most mints, such as spearmint and peppermint, but whether he likes them or not is a different story.)
Here are a few more do’s and don’ts for celebrating the Irish holiday with your canine buddy:
Don’t Give Your Pet Alcohol
Green beer may be a fun novelty, but a trip to the urgent pet clinic is probably not on your wish list. Even small amounts of alcohol can be extremely dangerous for dogs. Keep in mind that alcohol poisoning can come on very quickly with our animal companions.
Here are some of the signs to watch for:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- lack of coordination
- trouble breathing
- Coma
- Seizures
Unfortunately, drinking too much alcohol can be fatal for dogs. Always keep booze out of paws’ reach.
Shamrocks: Not So Lucky After All
Did you know that shamrocks can actually be toxic to both our canine and feline friends? It’s traditional for Irish people to give shamrocks as gifts. The Oxalis acetosella, or wood sorrel, is often used as a substitute. It’s toxic to dogs. If you happen to get one, keep them away from your canine pal. They do taste bitter, so aren’t going to be very appealing to most dogs. However, if your pooch were to ingest too much, he could develop kidney damage. Low blood calcium is another risk.
Skip The Raisins
Another traditional Irish food, Irish soda bread, often includes raisins. These small, sweet fruits are highly toxic to dogs. In fact, Fido could develop organ failure from eating just one. Grapes and currants, though not necessarily associated with St. Patrick’s Day or Irish food, hold the same risks. The issue here seems to be the tartaric acid, which pets cannot metabolize.
Can I Dress My Dog Up For St. Patrick’s Day?
Fido always looks adorable in outfits, so it’s not exactly a surprise that he sometimes dons cute costumes for the spring holiday. It’s fine to put a cute vest, hat, or bandana on your pooch. Just put safety first. Avoid anything with small parts or dangling pieces, as these could be choking hazards. Your furry pal’s outfit should also fit comfortably, and should not be too tight. Anything flammable is also a no.
Of course, it’s also important not to force a dog to wear clothes. If your pet is uncomfortable, just leave him be. Or, go with something minimal, like a green bandana.
Get Your Pooch Something Cute For St Patrick’s Day
That all said, there’s no reason you can’t have some fun with your canine companion on St. Patrick’s Day, or, as Fido may call it, St. Pawtrick’s Day. Your pup may appreciate a little Leprechaun chew toy. You can also get a themed throw blanket for his bed. These can make for some great pics!
Make An Appointment At Our Animal Hospital
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Please do not hesitate to contact us with all of your questions or concerns about your canine buddy. We are always happy to help!
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