Pet Safe Winter Deicing Techniques

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Pet Domestic Digest: Pet Safe Ice Melt

All the News That’s Fit for Consumption!

Vol. 1, Issue 1

WASHINGTON, DC – With the region in the grips of a brutal winter filled with snow, freezing rain, and ice, residents are looking to different methods for keeping our paths slip free. Follow these tips to keep walkways safe for humans and pets alike.

Rock Salt: Not Pet Safe

A popular choice spread by hand or sprayed from the the back of a truck, rock salt is an effective method for melting ice as slow as 20 degrees.

Unfortunately, all that sodium chloride left on roads and sidewalks is a major  irritant to a dog’s paws.  If she licks them later, the excess salt ingested can cause vomiting and diarrhea.

AVOID.

Kitty Litter & Sand: Pet Safe

An affordable product you may already have on hand. Neither melts ice, but rather adds traction, while not adding any chemicals to the environment that may pose a danger to your pooch or plants nearby.

APPROVED.

Chemical Ice Melters: Not Pet Safe

Brand name de-icers contain various compounds such as magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, and urea.

Though all are more effective at melting ice at extremely low, they also pose similar risks of rock salt to our dog’s paws.

AVOID.

Winter is tough on human skin and dog’s paws as well.  Before venturing outside, cover paws with booties or apply some Vaseline for an easy protectant.

If she comes in contact with a salt irritant, wash paws in cool water at home. Taking these simple precautions will help your pups enjoy a healthy and happy wintertime.