Rock Salt vs Safe Paw Ice Melt

According to the recent national survey carried in American households shows that 60% use rock salt or salt-based ice melt products rather than safe ice melt products in the cold winter season, furthermore its alarming that 62 % are not aware of the health dangers brought about by the use of these salt-based ice melt products.

According to a 2019 – 2020 National Pet Owners Survey carried out by American Pet Products Association (APPA), nearly 67% of Americans, i.e., 85 million families in the US, own a pet. It could be a dog, cat, birds, fish, or any other pet. The number also implies the care one needs to take of their pets all year round. Winters can be brutal in many regions, and hence as a pet owner, you need to take care that your pets do not expose themselves to harmful chemicals. The effect amplifies in the case of a dog, thus resulting in owners looking for dog-friendly rock salt, which is hard to come by. 

• How To Protect Your Kids From The Effects Of Ice Melt?
• Is Rock Salt Safe For Dogs?
• How Can You Protect Your Dogs From The Harmful Effects Of Ice Melt?
• How Can You Protect Your Environment And Surface From The Side Effects Of Ice Melt?
• A Quick Look At The Other Ice Melt Products In The Market Today
• Benefits Of Safe Paw Over Rock Salt
• Steps Of Safe Paw Safe Function
• Other Ice Melt Products

If you don’t take care of your dog or pet, the resulting health expenditure can skyrocket in many cases. On average, an American family spends nearly $1000 every year on various necessities of a dog. And if ice melt in the winter season harms your pet, it will increase the expenditure. It is, therefore, crucial to invest in ice melt safe for pets so that they can live comfortably during cold months.

The composition of rock salt and other salt-based ice melters is sodium chloride or potassium chloride that can heat up to 175 degrees when exposed to water, ice, and low temperatures. Under normal circumstances, these white pellets remain on ice and snow surfaces for a long period before penetrating which presents dangers to pets, children, surfaces, and the environment.

Children may come into contact with salt-based pellets in the case while playing in the snow. These products can cause irritation to the eyes and if accidentally ingested may cause stomach upsets and kidney damage. If it comes directly in contact with skin can cause dermatitis, rashes, and blistering.

Kids have tender skin, and exposure to any harmful chlorides can lead to skin irritation. Suppose kids expose themselves to any chloride, i.e., calcium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium chloride, etc. In that case, it is advisable to wash it off with water immediately to avoid any further damage. You will also need to monitor their skin for swelling, abrasions, or redness. In case of any emergency, kindly rush them to the ER.

Pet Safe Ice Melt

How To Protect Your Kids From The Effects Of Ice Melt? 

There are a few basic things you can keep in mind while buying any ice melt: 

• Check the list of ingredients and the composition of salts in the ice melt. 
• Use thick boots while venturing out in the snow. 
• Wear thick gloves to avoid touching snow with bare hands. 
• Don’t let kids step out of the house immediately after spreading the ice melt. Instead, give it some time to settle before they step out. 
• Keep a tab on kids while playing outside lest they accidentally ingest any small amount of ice melt. 
• If they ingest it by mistake, please ensure you wipe their mouth dry and immediately drink water or milk to lessen the effect of the salt.

Is Rock Salt Safe For Dogs?  

Pets: In the case of pets in this case dogs, exposure to the salt-based ice melter gets the salts frozen in the legs and fur of the dogs. Under high temperatures, these salts can burn the dog’s skin causing redness and ulcers to the skin leading to bacterial infections. These salts can furthermore lead to intestinal problems and inflammation if it’s licked or ingested.

Pet-safe ice melt is not hard to find if you look at the right places. However, since dogs and cats have sensitive paws and skin, you need to be careful while selecting the proper ice melt. In addition, they have a higher chance of getting injured or falling sick because they may accidentally swallow high sodium-based ice melt or they may drink the melted ice water. 

How Can You Protect Your Dogs From The Harmful Effects Of Ice Melt? 

There are a few pet safe ice melts available in the market today. There was a time when the options were limited; however, even ice melt products safe for dogs have changed with time. 

Please make a note of the following points to keep your pet dog safe during winters:  

• Don’t go out immediately after using any salt or ice melt. 
• Make them wear doggie booties before stepping out if you can. 
• If they accidentally lick the ice melt, immediately wipe their mouth with water and remove any excess salt around their mouth. 
• After you come back from a stroll or a walk, wipe their fur and paws immediately and wash their paws, if needed. 
• Consuming or ingesting salt in any form can cause dehydration or dryness around the mouth. 
• If they have swallowed a little and are experiencing any discomfort such as vomiting, nausea, drooling, seizures, etc., rush them to the veterinarian immediately. 
• Keep ice melt products away from pets. 

We recently spoke with a pet owner, Sandy, whose dog had ingested ice melt last winter. She said, ‘We stepped out for a stroll one winter evening, and since most people use salt in winters, we also spread salt on our driveway to avoid slipping. My dog accidentally licked his paw because something hurt him. He had just stepped on fresh granules and swallowed them by mistake. After we reached home, we saw him vomit once or twice, and he didn’t want to eat anything either. We took him to our vet, and he confirmed our doubts about him getting salt poisoning. He had to be treated with medicines immediately.’ 

Sandy went on to say, ‘We later discovered Safe Paw through our neighbors who are regular users, and we are pretty happy we made the switch.’ 

While it is essential to protect pet dogs with dog friendly rock salt, even our environment and surroundings take a toll. 

Surface and the environment: the residues of these salts products cause damage to floors, pavers, wood decks, concrete, asphalt, and rugs. If swept into lakes and streams it may cause harm to aquatic wildlife. Salt ice melter also kill plants, erode soil, poison birds, and burns grasses.

How Can You Protect Your Environment And Surface From The Side Effects Of Ice Melt? 

There is a thin line between- good to have and good to use. While salt and other chloride-based ice melts are the most popular ones in the market, there is a need to assess how they can impact your surroundings. Historically, salt corrodes cement, bricks, asphalt-based surfaces over time because of its exothermic nature. 

Things to keep in mind before finalizing any ice melt-  

• The composition of salt and chloride in each product. 
• If you are using a blend, i.e., rock salt and any other chloride, you need to take care of the amount of spread you use on the stairs, driveway, and sidewalk.  
• Check the instructions before using any ice melt. 
• Make sure the ice melt is from a reputed company or a brand.  
• Check online reviews, speak with your neighbors, look for testimonials, and ask for a demo, if available. 
• Do not make a hasty decision and hurry the purchase process. Spend a little time researching the brand. 
• Check all the disclaimers before buying the product. 

Popular Pet Safe Ice Melt Brands

When the temperature drops, the need for effective deicing solutions that are safe for pets becomes paramount. Among the top choices are brands like Safe Paw, Green Gobbler, and Snow Joe Melt 2 Go. Not all pet safe ice melt products are designed equal. Let’s break down all these popular choices to understand what goes into it and how we can minimize harm to our furry friends while effectively clearing ice from walkways and driveways.

Safe Paw

Safe Paw stands apart as a leader in safety and effectiveness. Unlike other ice melts that use potentially harmful chemicals, Safe Paw is formulated with a unique blend of modified carbonyldiamide crystals, special glycols, and surfactants. This combination creates a non-corrosive, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly solution that is safe for pets, children, and all types of concrete surfaces. Its unique blend of pet safe ice melt ingredients ensures that pets are protected from the typical dangers associated with conventional ice melts.

Green Gobbler and Snow Joe Melt 2 Go

Many conventional ice melts, including some products from Green Gobbler and Snow Joe, rely on ingredients like sodium chloride, calcium chloride, and magnesium chloride, which can reach high temperatures and cause chemical burns to pet paws. These ingredients can also be harmful if ingested, leading to serious health issues such as kidney damage, gastrointestinal irritation, and dehydration.

Snow Joe Melt 2 Go provides a formulation that is composed of CMA (calcium magnesium acetate). While CMA is considered to be softer and less corrosive ice melt, it’s not entirely safe for pets either. 

Natural Alternatives to Ice Melt

Many believe that the best alternative to a pet safe ice melt a natural alternative like sand or homemade pet safe ice melt solutions (e.g., sugar beet juice). Well, they are safer for pets but the downside is that they often fail to offer the same level of efficacy in melting ice. The reason is simple- they’re not designed for the purpose of melting the ice. Additionally, these alternatives do not provide the necessary traction and can be messy, requiring frequent cleanup.

For those looking for natural alternatives to ice melt, materials such as sand, sawdust, or even coffee grounds can provide traction without the chemical risk. These alternatives do not melt ice but increase grip on icy surfaces.

Ice Melt Poisoning Symptoms

Pet owners should be aware of ice melt poisoning symptoms which include vomiting, diarrhea, and increased salivation. If your pet exhibits these symptoms after contact with ice melt, it is crucial to seek veterinary care immediately.

Types of Ice Melt

Understanding the different types of ice melts can help you make a safer choice for your pets and environment:

1. Calcium Chloride: It works the quickest and has the lowest melting temperature of -25 degrees Fahrenheit. It attracts moisture from the surrounding snow or ice and quickly begins to form brine, thus lowering the freezing point of water and producing heat. However, it is more expensive than other ice melt products in the market. 

2.  Magnesium Chloride: It acts relatively slowly and is more expensive than other ice melter products. Its lowest melting temperature is 0 degrees Fahrenheit. It is a little less corrosive than other salts; however, it is not entirely safe for concrete and plant life. 

3. Sodium Acetate: It is far better than other ice melt products in the market as it causes minor damage to the environment and concrete. It does not corrode your metal either. Its lowest melting temperature is 0 degree Fahrenheit. A temperature lower than this will not get affected by this ice melt. It has a more prolonged residual effect and does not need reapplication often. However, it is not entirely safe for your pets or kids.  

4. Blends: As the name suggests, it is a mixture of two or more salts, such as rock salt and other chlorides, to make the deicing process quicker. It is not a pet safe salt for ice and should not be overused or misused at all. They have a higher melting capacity, but they can prove extremely harmful to your concrete, surface, bricks, asphalt, plant life, pets, and kids. 

Compared to others, Safe Paw beats rock salt and it’s safe for pets, children, and the surface and environment. Safe Paw is a salt-free concrete safe ice melt and is 100% safe for pets, children, and the environment.

5. CMA Ice Melt

Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA) is often marketed as a safer alternative to more corrosive salt-based ice melts. It’s known for being less damaging to the environment and safer on new concrete and metal surfaces. However, CMA has its drawbacks. It works best when temperatures are close to freezing and becomes less effective as temperatures drop significantly below 32°F (0°C). Additionally, over-application can lead to residue buildup, which might require clean-up in the spring due to its lower solubility compared to other deicers.

6. Urea Based Ice Melt

Urea, commonly used as a fertilizer, is also employed as an ice melt. While it is generally safer for pets and vegetation compared to chloride salts, its environmental impact is notable. Urea breaks down into ammonia and nitrates, potentially contributing to nutrient pollution in nearby waterways. This runoff can lead to algae blooms, which deplete oxygen in water bodies, harming aquatic life—a process known as eutrophication. However, since Safe Paw is composed of nitrogen inhibitors it doesn’t cause the above problem and is completely safe for the environment. 

7. Glycol Based Ice Melt

Glycol based ice melt products offer an effective solution that is generally safer for pets and the surfaces they are applied to, reducing the risk of burns and other injuries. Glycols are used to lower the freezing point of liquids, making them excellent for deicing applications. Safe Paw’s formula is enhanced with glycols that not only prevent re-freezing but do so without the typical toxic effects associated with other glycol applications, such as automotive antifreeze. This makes Safe Paw safe for pets if ingested in small amounts and gentle on various surfaces including concrete, asphalt, and decking. Importantly, Safe Paw’s glycol mix does not contribute to environmental degradation, ensuring that your use of ice melt doesn’t lead to larger ecosystem impacts.

Compared to others, SafePaw beats rock salt and it’s safe for pets, children, and the surface and environment. Safe Paw is a salt-free concrete safe ice melt and is 100% safe for pets, children, and the environment.

When you are looking for eco-friendly products, you have multiple choices available, but the decision lies in your hand. However, with products like Safe Paw, you have more reason to believe in the magic of ice melt and the positive effects on nature and the surface. As a result, you not only have a chance to explore the best pet friendly ice melt but also keep your winter woes away. 

Benefits Of Safe Paw Over Rock Salt

1) It is 100% safe for children and pets.
2) It is fit and safe for the surface and environment.
3) Cannot cause harm to the deck of any type like for wood decking.
4) Cannot stain nor destroy floors.
5) It is safe on shrubs and plants.
6) It is safe on concrete, asphalt, and pavers.
7) It has a proprietary traction agent that helps prevent slips and falls on the ice.
8) Safe Paw is able to attract solar energy to give more melting power in the daytime hours.

Steps Of Safe Paw Safe Function

1) Safe paw is very unique in how it works compared to the available snow and ice melter. Safe Paw is composed of a patented dual-effect compound composed of improved crystalline amide core combined with a more modified glycol mixture and traction agents.
2) The liquid component of Safe Paw begins melting ice timely while releasing surface tension.
3) This then allows the crystal core to break and destabilize ice which causes melting, while the traction agent gives slip protection.
4) Safe Paw leaves an unseen shield that prevents the sticking of ice to surfaces for about 3 days, and the Teflon impact makes it easier to shovel.

Conclusion

We understand the confusion you have while purchasing the proper ice melt for your home. However, it is vital to comprehend the difference between rock salt and ice melt before making that purchase. Each product has a different effect on the layer of ice around your home. Rock salt is the cheapest option available, but if it will cost you thousands of dollars every year on medical treatments and hospital visits, it turns out to be a wasted investment. 

The best time to start thinking of buying an ice melt safe for pets is during autumn or just before the first snowfall. It will give you ample time to stock your product and help you to save time and money in making repeated trips to your supermarket. Safe Paw has the best results so far and is one of the most preferred pet-friendly snow salt in the market. We leave the choice in your hands! 

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