For lots of pet parents, winter means snow and ice—and the use of de-icers to melt it down and keep roads and sidewalks safe and slip-free. Chemical de-icers work by lowering the freezing point of water, making it easier to clear compacted snow and ice. But they can also pose a hazard to dogs.
Common sodium- or magnesium-based de-icers can cause skin irritation or GI upset if ingested, and rarer ethylene-glycol-based ice melt can make a dog dangerously ill.
Dr. Kelsea Studer, Emergency and Critical Care Veterinarian and Assistant Clinical Professor at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, offers insights into the dangers of de-icers, the best way to protect your dog’s paws, and pet-safe ways to keep from sliding down the sidewalk. Read on!
How Dangerous are De-Icers for Dogs?
The good news: for most common de-icers, your pet would have to ingest a lot to become dangerously ill. The bad news: certain de-icers are much more hazardous, and even the standard de-icers can cause some problems.
“Calcium chloride and similar de-icers—like rock salts, which are usually sodium- or magnesium-based—are the most common de-icing products. While most signs are minor, these are not technically safe for dogs,” says Dr. Studer. “The most toxic de-icers are ethylene-glycol-based, which is the same ingredient that is in antifreeze. While these products are not common, ingestion even in small amounts can be life-threatening.”
The following are some of the problems that typical calcium chloride de-icers can cause in dogs:
- Skin irritation
- Irritation on paws (in more severe cases, open sores, bleeding, or yellow or green discharge with foul odor might be present and need veterinary attention)
- Secondary infections from excessive licking of affected areas
- GI upset, which can look like anorexia (missed meals), vomiting, or diarrhea
Brief exposure to these de-icers should only cause short-lived symptoms, but it’s still a good idea to give your veterinarian a call—especially if symptoms persist.
Dangerous de-icers with ethylene glycol can cause much more serious neurologic symptoms:
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Head pressing
- Dull mentation
- Behavior changes
If you see these symptoms, it’s important not to wait—get your dog to an emergency vet right away.
How To Protect Your Dog’s Paws from De-Icers
Paw irritation is one of the most common side effects of exposure to de-icers—and paw licking after a walk is the most common way for a dog to end up ingesting them. That makes paw protection a good way to keep your dog safe from chemical ice melt.
Wash your dog’s paws after walks
Consider dog booties
You know what they say: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Stop contact with de-icer before it starts by covering your dog’s paws with good-quality booties. If your dog hasn’t worn boots before, remember to take training slowly and start in the house with lots of treats.
Apply a paw salve or wax
If your dog isn’t a fan of wearing shoes, you can also try applying a topical paw protector like Musher’s Secret to keep your dog’s paws safe on your next winter outing.
Bring a water bottle
If you’re on a long walk, consider bringing water with you—that way you can rinse your dog’s mouth if they lick up snow that may contain rock salt or calcium chloride.
Mikhail Dmitriev via iStock
How To Choose a Safe De-Icer for Your Pet
Wondering how to de-ice your own sidewalks or driveway? No de-icer is 100% pet-safe. That said, there are safer options out there, which can also help keep you and your family from slipping and sliding.
1. Avoid de-icer products that contain dangerous compounds
- Ethylene glycol (do not use). Ingestion can be life-threatening and can cause neurological issues. See a veterinarian immediately if your dog is exposed.
- Calcium salts (calcium carbonate, calcium chloride, and calcium magnesium acetate). These salts cause external irritation on skin and paws, and ingestion can result in major gastrointestinal distress.
- Sodium chloride (plain old salt). Ingesting a large quantity of sodium chloride can be deadly for dogs; mild ingestion can lead to gastrointestinal upset. Salt can also irritate dogs’ paws.
- Potassium chloride. Another salt compound, potassium chloride is severely irritating if ingested.
- Magnesium chloride. Sold in crystal and flake form, magnesium chloride is a very popular de-icer. It can cause stomach problems if ingested in large amounts and is particularly dangerous for dogs with renal disease who are sensitive to large amounts of magnesium.
2. Look for pet-safe compounds
“Urea-based products are considered more safe and tend to cause less skin irritation,” says Dr. Studer, “although in high amounts of ingestion, it can still cause GI upset.”
Urea (sometimes listed as the chemical ingredient carbonyl diamide) is less toxic than other de-icing ingredients, but it can still cause issues if not processed specifically for pet safety. Remember to always check the label: the product should be salt- and chloride-free, and labeled as kid- and pet-safe (if it’s not safe for kids, it’s not safe for your dog).
3. Don’t overdo it
Be sure to follow the product’s instructions and not use too much de-icer. De-icers can be problematic for the environment and cause cracking in concrete. Stick to the correct amount per foot and remember that less is more.
4. Alternatives to traditional de-icers
Depending on how hard of a freeze you experience, you might be able to get away with some more generally pet-friendly alternatives for melting down your driveway ice.
Sand is a classic for a reason! And while it doesn’t melt down ice, it provides crucial grip over slippery spots. Kitty litter will also work in a pinch, but sand is better at not re-freezing.
Takeaways
De-icing is one of the necessary evils of winter, but it doesn’t have to be dangerous to your pet. “Consistently rinsing paws when your pet comes back inside is the best way to prevent complications,” says Dr. Studer, who recommends:
- Supervising your pet outside to watch for snow/slush and ice ingestion
- Washing your pet’s paws after walks and trips outdoors
- Preventing excessively paw licking after coming back inside
You can also prevent issues by:
- Using paw booties or wax
- Using de-icers with pet- and kid-safe ingredients like urea, or opting for sand around your own home
For a long-term solution, consider contacting your city officials and ask them to use pet- and environmentally-friendly de-icers. Affordable alternatives like sand and gravel may be an option in your town!
Armed with knowledge, preparation, and pet-friendly products, you can make this winter a wonderland for your dog!
