Is Ice Melt Safe for Dogs?

Dog Sniffing Snow

The most common ingredient in traditional deicers is salt — but we’re not talking about table salt. Salt works to melt away ice by drawing moisture from the air and creating heat. While this is a good thing for those of us who have to get safely in and out of the house every day, it can be dangerous for your pups.

Protect His Paws

  • Wipe your dog’s paws after a walk. Even if you can’t see pieces of salt on their paws, it could still be there hurting their skin.
  • Consider dog booties. Unfortunately, most dogs don’t like to wear shoes. Though we suggest giving it a try, take his boots off if he starts acting strangely or tries to rip them off with his teeth.
  • Try dog socks. If boots are too clunky for your dog, try placing thin dog socks on him. Though they’re not as protective as shoes, they’re better than nothing!

Protect His Stomach

  • Wipe those paws off extra well. If your dog licks his feet, he could swallow pieces of salt. If this happens, it could cause him to vomit or have diarrhea.
  • Don’t let your pup lick thin snow. Dogs love a good snowfall. If you have a few inches of snow in your backyard, it’s perfectly fine to let your pup romp around for a while. But if you only have a light dusting of snow (typically anything less than 2-inches) don’t let your dog lick the snow, as he’ll likely be liking the sidewalk and therefore salt.

Another way you can protect your pet and neighboring animals is by choosing non-toxic ice melt. Non-toxic pellets often cover even more ground than rock salt and are not harmful to a dog’s feet or health if ingested.

Are you passionate about animals and animal safety? If so, Camp Bow Wow might just be the place for you! If you’re interested in learning more about what it takes to join our Pack and invest in a bright future and doggone good time, dial (870) 600-2713 or request your free executive summary here!

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