Pets and ice melters: some care required

Dogs and snow: how to protect dogs' pads in the snow, against the cold and winter.

There’s no doubt that our pets are important to us. We like to give them the best care possible. But come winter, there are new challenges for them, besides the cold weather.

While it is important that we keep steps, sidewalks and driveways free of ice and snow to prevent accidents, the ice melters used might cause problems with our pets. While ice melter is essential, not all types are safe for use around pets.

How to protect your dog's paws

Some ice melters can cause irritation or lesions to the paws, skin or nose after exposure. On those soft tissues, the salts can cause drying, cracking and even burning. Pet friendly ice melters usually have safer ingredients to minimize harm.

Traditional rock salt crystals can have hard, jagged edges that aggravate tender paws. Mostly, pet friendly ice melters have smaller, rounder particles that aren’t as harsh on the paws.

Most city sidewalks are not using pet-safe products. It is wise to rinse and wipe off their feet, including between the claws, after each walk outdoors. There are paw wipes available at pet shops for this purpose.

Some pet parents will outfit their dog with paw booties, which work well if you can get your dog to accept them.

Others will apply specialized paw balms or wax to protect the paws from the salts.

Ingestion concerns

De-icing salts and animals, how to prevent your dog from eating de-icing products.

A couple of licks of their paws after exposure to ice melters is probably not a serious concern, but needs attention nonetheless. Too much can be problematic.

Do not let your pet lick up a puddle of melted ice or eat snow that has ice melter on it. That is when you might see gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting or diarrhea.

The bigger problem with ice melter is leaving the container open for the pet to consume larger quantities. Keep the bag, jug or pail sealed shut between uses. If your pet has ingested ice melter, you should call the Pet Poison Helpline (1-800-213-6680) or your veterinarian immediately.

Homeowner responsibility

How to use a de-icing product without putting your dog in danger and which de-icing products are less dangerous for dogs.

The reality is a properly used ice melter should be safe around pets.

Proper use of an ice melter involves shovelling snow, using a limited amount of ice melter to break the bond between the ice and surface, and then shovelling off the ice and slush.
Ice melter is often overapplied. Slush and snow remain, and it becomes a salty slurry that our pets walk through, clinging to their paws.
Consider using our Liquid Ice Melter before a snow or ice event. It will keep the ice from bonding to the surface and does not have any granules to track on their paws.

In the end, the key is to use less, not more.

Alaskan Pet Friendly Ice Melter

Alaskan Pet Friendly is infused with moisturizers to help prevent drying of the paws, skin and nose. The product was developed in collaboration with Canadian animal care professionals and tested and assessed by veterinarians. The conclusion was “Alaskan Pet Friendly product did not harm the pets’ paws and did not cause any visual lesions”.