Is it safe to use ice melts (sidewalk salt) around pets?
Ice melts can be toxic to dogs. The most common ingredients in these ice melts are sodium chloride, calcium carbonate, and calcium magnesium acetate. A few ice melts contain urea. Symptoms of these drugs include: vomiting, diarrhea, salivation, depression, loss of appetite, disorientation, increased thirst, seizures and even death. “Chemicals can get stuck to or embedded in your pet’s paws and at the very least dry them out or even cause them to crack and bleed, especially when your animals track them back inside and the chemicals can heat up to 175 degrees.” According to National Animal Poison Control (800 548 2423) an alternative to the salts is sand or kitty litter. There is also a product called Safe Paw Ice Melter That is safe for dogs.
