Ways to Spend St. Patrick’s Day With Your Dog in Orlando

Though many traditions are associated with St. Patrick’s Day, why not create fun new ones just for you and your furry friend? Spending quality time together can bring an entire family closer, especially if you get your pup involved in the celebrations. Whether dressing up or chowing down on delicious green treats, a special St. Paddy’s day outing with your dog will be filled with laughter—and maybe even some mischief! With so much packed into one festive holiday, why not take advantage? Read on to discover how easy (and delightful) it can be to spend St. Patrick’s Day with your dog!

Dress Up in Green

Dressing up a dog in green is accessible, helpful, and fun! For everyday wear, there are options such as collar bows in bright green plaid or soft cotton rompers with bold striped designs. For special occasions, consider a vest with numerous clever details like rhinestones and chains to add an extra touch of glamor. Embroidered tees or sweaters look beautiful on dogs and make great gifts for your pup’s special day. And remember the festive hats with dainty floral prints or fairytale designs – perfect to match his new green outfit. So when it’s time to find the perfect thing for your pup, don’t limit yourself – go green this season!

Remember to take photos of your pup in his new green outfit! Not only will you have lasting memories of this particular day, but it can also be a great way to show off all the effort you put into planning an unforgettable event for him. You could create a fun annual tradition for your pup and his friends with a suitable backdrop.

Attend a St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Attending parades is a great way to bond with your dog. This can be an excellent way for you and your pup to get out in the fresh air, people-watch, strut down the street, and get tons of attention from onlookers. Your dog will become accustomed to being around large groups of people and other animals by attending together. The key is ensuring your pup feels comfortable with their environment—keeping them on a leash and rewarding them when they focus on you —so your parade excursion can be fun and stress-free. Enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells surrounding you as you proudly move through the parade!

Some parades may not allow pets or require that they are kept away from the crowds, so be sure you check to ensure dogs are allowed before you head down to the parade route.  If you’re in the Orlando area, St. Cloud has Paint the Cloud Green Light Parade and Street Party from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, March 16.

Go on a Hike

This St. Patrick’s Day, why not take the opportunity to connect with nature and get some much-needed exercise? Hiking is an excellent way for you and your pup to get out of the house and spend quality time in the fresh air. Taking a stroll can help your dog build up their endurance and strengthen their cardiovascular system while you will experience improved cardiovascular health. Furthermore, spending time outdoors boosts your physical and mental health. What better way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with all these benefits than a nice brisk hike?

West Orange Trail is a wonderful hike with dogs.  Enjoy 22.26 miles of paved Trail from the Orange/Lake County line, the town of Killarney and Oakland, the city of Winter Garden, across U.S. 441, through downtown Apopka to Welch Road.  If that is not your speed, I’ve been to Cypress Grove Park which has a nice 1 mile trail.

Cambrie and I will be participating in Beyond the Leash 1 mile fun run on St. Patrick’s Day.

Make Some Homemade Treats

Baking up treats for your four-legged friend is a great way to show your pup some extra love – and with ingredients like spinach, kale, or even Irish stout, you can make something hearty and nutritious too! Give these natural ingredients a try in combination with others like peanut butter, oats, and flour to create delicious homemade snacks. Not only will your pup be thrilled to get special homemade treats, but you’ll both get to bond while making them together. Not only do you get the fun of baking in the kitchen, but prepping the treats together can be an extra bonding time for you and your pup. Having a pal by your side while cooking up something delicious is always more enjoyable – and it’s no different when it comes to pet treats!

Host a Doggy Playdate

What better way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with your pup than hosting a playdate? Not only is it an opportunity to get everyone outdoors and celebrate springtime, but it’s also a perfect opportunity for your dog to socialize with their four-legged friends! Organize a fun event by setting up some doggo obstacle courses, or surprise them with Pawlympic events like tug-of-war, catch the treats, and frisbee toss! You could even throw in some bonus points if their new pals are dressed in festive St. Paddy’s wear. It’ll be a blast watching everyone running around and playing together. Rainbows and puppy kisses abound!

Watch an Irish Movie Together

Watching movies together can be a wonderful bonding experience, and adding your pup to the mix makes it that special. If you are looking for classic Irish movies with which to share this fun and rewarding experience, consider ‘The Wind That Shakes The Barley,’ ‘In the Name of the Father’, or ‘Michael Collins.’ These beloved Irish classics feature compelling storylines set against evocative background settings, sure to captivate you and your dog as you nestle on the sofa together! Making movie night, a regular ritual can be a great way to show your pup how much they mean to you. Snuggles during the movie can strengthen your special bond in no time!

Visit an Irish Pub (With Your Dog)

Some pubs have shifted away from being strict ‘human-only’ zones allowing well-behaved dogs to join their owners for a relaxing drink. This option enables dog owners to socialize with their canines; some even provide food options. However, dogs must remain on leash at all times and are kept under control by their owner for the safety of other customers. While this option may not be suitable for all dogs and owners, it provides a fun experience for those who choose to partake.

Head to the Conway Community Market

Sunday, March 17, 10a – 2p, Barber Park

Conclusion

Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with your dog can be a great way to strengthen the bond between you and your pet. From trying a new activity to exploring a local dog-friendly pub or cafe, there are plenty of ways to have a perfect celebration. Plus, shared experiences are always good for deepening relationships. Whether you stay home or go out on the town, remember that even the afternoon walks and simple cuddles count. All in all, take every opportunity to make memories with your beloved pet—life is too short not to enjoy each moment spent together!