Keep the Luck of the Irish — Not the Danger

Keep the Luck of the Irish — Not the Danger

At Kinn, we believe every pet deserves to feel safe, comfortable, and loved — especially during the holidays. Before you break out the green streamers and corned beef, take a moment to make sure your furry family members are protected from some common (and surprising) St. Patrick's Day hazards.

Foods That Can Harm Your Pet

Holiday spreads are tempting for curious noses. Keep these off the menu for your dogs and cats:

High Risk

Alcohol & Beer
Even small amounts cause vomiting, disorientation, breathing problems, and can be fatal. Keep all drinks secured and out of reach.

Onions & Garlic
Common in corned beef & cabbage recipes. These cause red blood cell damage and can lead to anemia in both dogs and cats.

Moderate Risk

Corned Beef
Extremely high in sodium and fat. Can trigger salt poisoning or pancreatitis — even a small piece is too much for small pets.

Moderate Risk

Cabbage & Leeks
In large amounts, these can upset your pet's stomach. Leeks belong to the same toxic allium family as onions.

Mild Risk

Soda Bread
Rich butter and raisins (if included) can cause digestive issues. Raisins in particular are toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure.

Watch Out

Green-Dyed Food
Food dyes are generally low-risk, but large amounts of artificially colored items can cause tummy upset in sensitive pets.
Emergency reminderIf you suspect your pet has ingested something harmful, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or your nearest emergency vet immediately.
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Dangerous Plants & Decorations

Shamrocks and spring greenery are everywhere this time of year — but not all plants are pet-friendly.


  • Shamrocks (Oxalis species) — the classic St. Patrick's Day plant contains soluble calcium oxalates, which can cause drooling, vomiting, and in large amounts, kidney damage. Keep potted shamrocks on high shelves away from pets.

  • Lilies — often used in spring arrangements, true lilies (Easter, Tiger, Daylily) are extremely toxic to cats and can cause acute kidney failure. Even the pollen is dangerous.

  • Green streamers & ribbons — cats especially love to chew and swallow stringy items, which can cause serious intestinal blockages requiring surgery.

  • Balloon strings & plastic confetti — choking hazards that can also cause intestinal obstruction if swallowed. Opt for pet-safe paper confetti instead.

  • Candles & fairy lights — a curious cat or wagging tail near an open flame is a burn risk. Use flameless LED candles if pets will be present.

Keeping Pets Calm During the Festivities

Parties mean noise, new faces, and open doors — a stressful combination for many pets. Here's how to set them up for success:


  • Create a quiet, designated safe space with their bed, water, and favorite toy — away from the main gathering area.


  • Ensure your pet's ID tags and microchip information are current. A busy party means more chances for an accidental escape.

  • Brief guests not to feed table scraps. Even well-meaning visitors may not know what's harmful.

  • If your pet is highly anxious around crowds or loud music, consider a calming supplement or speak to your vet about short-term options ahead of the event.

  • Monitor your pet's behavior throughout the evening. Signs of stress include panting, pacing, hiding, or excessive licking.

 

The Kinn Commitment

Our products are designed to make your pet's everyday moments more comfortable, safe, and joyful — holidays included. Browse our collection of thoughtfully designed pet hydration and feeding essentials. 

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