In the heart of winter, while we navigate icy sidewalks and driveways, an often-overlooked hazard lurks for our four-legged friends: ice melt. As a crucial aspect of animal wellness, understanding the risks associated with ice melt is vital for every pet owner.
Ice melt, commonly used to de-ice pavements and roads, contains chemicals like sodium chloride, calcium chloride, and magnesium chloride. These substances, while effective in melting ice, can pose serious risks to pets. When our furry companions walk on treated surfaces, these chemicals can adhere to their paws. The danger escalates when they lick their paws, ingesting these toxic substances.
Health Risks Involved
When our beloved pets come into contact with ice melt chemicals, a hidden danger emerges. If these substances are ingested – either directly or when pets lick their paws – they can experience a range of health issues. Picture your furry friend suffering from gastrointestinal distress, showing signs like vomiting, diarrhea, and noticeable abdominal pain. It's a worrying thought.
But the risk doesn't end there. These chemicals can also wreak havoc on their paws, leading to dryness, cracks, and in some cases, painful burns on their sensitive paw pads. And in more severe scenarios, the ingestion of these chemicals could escalate to neurological symptoms, including tremors or seizures, especially if your pet has a history of these conditions.
Preventive Measures
To safeguard your pet's health and ensure their wellness, consider the following tips:
Choose Pet-Safe(ER) Ice Melts - Opt for products specifically designed to be safer (I do not consider them safe) for pets. These products usually use LESS TOXIC and HARSH chemicals. Pet-safe(ER) ice melts are designed to be less harmful to pets compared to traditional ice melts. These supposed pet-friendly products claim to avoid harsh chemicals found in regular ice melts that are previously listed. Pet-safe(ER) ice melts typically use the following chemicals or ingredients: Magnesium Chloride, Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA), Glycols, Urea and other natural ingredients.
Please note that "pet-safe" ice melts are only considered safer than traditional options, they are not risk-free. Pet owners should still exercise caution, such as cleaning their pets' paws after walks and preventing them from ingesting ANY ice melt product.
Beyond avoiding ice-melt and "pet safe" ice-melt products the best you can, consider these proactive steps for pet health.
1. Paw Protection
Dog booties or paw wax can be a game-changer in shielding your pet's paws from harsh ice melts.
2. Paw Cleaning
After enjoying a winter walk, it's important to clean their paws with a damp cloth, gently removing any chemical residues that might cling to their pads.
3. Pet Supervision
Supervision during outdoor time is also key. Keep a watchful eye on your furry companion to prevent them from consuming ice melt off the ground, an often-overlooked hazard.
4. Shoveling
Maintaining clear walkways around your home by regular shoveling of snow and ice can significantly reduce the necessity of using ice melts. These simple yet effective practices can greatly enhance your pet's health and well-being during winter's icy grip.
PERSONAL PRO-TIP : Opt for a simple yet effective solution: unscented, traditional clay kitty litter.
While it won't melt the ice, it offers invaluable traction to keep you and your pets safe and steady on slippery surfaces. This budget-friendly choice is not only kind to your wallet but also gentle on your pets, making it a win-win for pet health and animal wellness. At my clinic, we rely on this old-school method to protect both our furry clients and my own beloved pets. And remember, a good paw wipe after outdoor adventures is more than just cleanliness – it's a step towards ensuring your pet's health and happiness.
As responsible pet owners, it’s our duty to stay informed about potential dangers like ice melt. By taking proactive steps, we can ensure our pets enjoy the winter safely, keeping pet health and animal wellness at the forefront. Remember, a little precaution goes a long way in protecting our beloved companions from hidden dangers.
You can find more pet health resources including, videos, podcasts, articles, tips, programs, & raw dog food meal ideas, by joining our FREE Everwell Pets Tribe!
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