With post-Mardi Gras hangovers creeping in for some who partied a little too much for Fat Tuesday, the only cure, or so they say, is a little hair of the dog.

If you can’t stomach even a sip of what you were drinking last night, consider focusing your attentions to New Orleans’ Mardi Gras dog parades.

While some of these parades have already transpired this year, it is never too early to start planning for next year’s Mardi Gras. Canine krewes have become a key element to the Mardi Gras tradition, where costumed pets usually put up with being clad in green, purple and gold for the day.

Dog treats might be tossed instead of beads, but that’s the point. This element to Mardi Gras in New Orleans is strictly for the dogs.

Mystic Krewe of Barkus: When a dog is snubbed from a meeting in New Orleans, that can be the beginnings for one of the oldest of New Orleans’ Mardi Gras dog parades. The Mystic Krewe of Barkus stems from the snubbing of dog Jo Jo McWood at an event at a bar back in 1992. The owner decided to make the dog Queen of its own parade as a result. While this year’s Mystic Krewe of Barkus has already passed, travelers might want to plan on next year’s event. With themes like "Mission Impossible: Canine Protocol" and a "Broadway Tail" over the years, you can expect to see some creative costumes. Music, shopping, food and drinks are also incorporated into the Barkus Krewe with proceeds donated to animal welfare groups.

Mardi Paws: Even if you missed New Orleans’ general Mardi Gras celebration, there is still one parade you can attend. Mardi Paws takes place this year on Sunday, February 26, 2012 at 2PM. Supporting non-profits, the Northshore Krewe was formed after seeing the Krewe of Barkus. The parade takes the costumed-canine set on Lakeshore Drive along Lake Ponchartrain. Themes are usually whimsical and this year’s is no exception. Those boarding flights to New Orleans this weekend can expect to see “Mardi Paws goes BARK in Time." Anything retro will go for this event, topped off by a Hair of the Dog Party for the King and Queen coronations.

Krewe de Paws: Krewe de Paws might have already barked down Olde Towne Slidell this year, but visitors can schedule a visit to see next year’s parade. With a 2012 theme of Canines of the Caribbean, Krewe de Paws aims to make any dog feel like a king or queen for the day. The parade sets out to bring some fun and attention to Slidell and also to raise money for animal welfare organizations.

Pawdi Gras: Generally held the Saturday after Mardi Gras, Pawdi Gras parades through the streets of historic Gretna. Costumed dogs and their human counterparts dress the part of the parade’s theme. Past year’s themes include, of course, a play on words like Pets in the City and Canines in Candyland. Food, music and a costumer contest are also to be expected.

Have you been to one of these Mardi Gras dog events? Would you dress your best friend in sensational costumes?

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CC Flickr photo credit: Bridget Coila