Ice Melt- Is It REALLY Safe For Pets

As you may already know that most of the ice melt products are chemical compounds made of sodium chloride or potassium chloride. Both of these elements release heat when they come in contact with ice and snow. They also get heated up even if they remain on the surface of the ice for a long period of time. Therefore, it becomes dangerous for pets and kids.

Chemical compounds burn their skin, irritate the eyes, and cause problems like gastritis, intestinal issues, or kidney damage if eaten. Apart from this, they also damage the environment. On getting into groundwater these chemicals kill plants and animals and damage personal property as well.

Sodium Chloride And Pets

If we talk about pets, several factors affect their well-being every time they step on ice melt.

Sodium chloride is the main ingredient in many of the most popular salt-based ice melt on the market. While these rock salt products melt ice at moderately cold temperatures, they present significant concerns for family members, children, pets, soil, wildlife, water bodies, and infrastructure.

Large doses of sodium chloride can cause sodium toxicosis in dogs, and an intake of 4g/kg of sodium chloride can be fatal. Dogs ingesting high amounts of this ice melt can develop hypernatremia. It occurs when the level of sodium increases in the blood. It can lead to dehydration, tachycardia, tachypnea, and in severe cases, to death also. 

Calcium Chloride And Pets

It causes little damage to concrete and acts swiftly, although it can harm grass and plants. Calcium chloride quickly melts ice, but it also absorbs moisture, making surfaces wet and slick. As a result, the chances of slipping and falling increase. In pets, it can cause burns to the tongue and throat, increased thirst, vomiting, and stomach ache. 

Magnesium Chloride And Pets

The magnesium chloride brine also has side effects on pets and us.

Think about the dangers to young children. Kids often put things in their mouths from the ground, and if they taste something salty, they are likely to continue. The Illinois Poison Control (IPC) blog says about salt-based ice melt, including magnesium chloride, to always call the IPC if your kiddo samples some of this stuff. Less dangerous consequences of contact for kids are the same as those for pets: irritation of the skin, eyes, mouth, throat, and stomach upset.

Safe Paw And Pets

Safe Paw is a non-toxic ice melter that does not pose the same dangers as salt-based products. It is a salt-free ice melt that is free from any hazardous chemicals and is safe for pets, plants, and grass. 

Unlike other ice melt products, Safe Paw is a non-toxic ice melter and is environmentally friendly. Having won the PTPA Green Product Seal, and is used in many animal-related businesses. It is formulated so that it won’t hurt kids, pets, plants, or cause stains or damage to personal property.

Gaia Enterprises Inc. delivers 100% pet-safe and environmentally friendly winter products. Safe Paw, our flagship product, is the #1 selling pet-safe ice melt that does not harm pets, safe if ingested, and safe on all types of concrete.

It makes pedestrian pathways significantly safer. It also aids in ensuring safe passage for motor vehicles, even before a storm has started while providing a safety shield for the surfaces.

Other Ice Melt Products