Traditional ice melts contain ingredients that aren’t safe for animals, people, or the environment. These are six ways they can pose a safety risk for dogs and cats.

Slips and falls are a common winter hazard that many people combat with traditional ice melts. However, these products contain ingredients that can cause pain and burns on contact, as well as mild to serious health problems — and even death — when ingested. Here are six ways traditional ice melts can harm dogs and cats.

1. THEY CAN BE FATAL

One of the main ingredients in traditional ice melts is sodium chloride (salt). Consuming too much can cause sodium toxicity, a dangerous condition that causes an electrolyte imbalance and symptoms like nausea, vomiting, thirst, confusion, and weakness. In some cases, it can even be fatal.

2. MAY BURN THE TONGUE AND THROAT

Another dangerous ingredient in traditional ice melts is calcium chloride. Not only can this damage grass and plants, but it can also burn your dog or cat’s tongue and throat if they lick the ice melt.

3. CAN CAUSE GASTROINTESTINAL PROBLEMS

Ingesting the ingredients in traditional ice melts can cause ice melt toxicity. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach aches. What’s more, vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration.

4. THEY’RE DANGEROUS FOR ANIMALS WITH KIDNEY PROBLEMS

Magnesium chloride is another common ice melt ingredient. While it’s safe for healthy pets, it can be dangerous for animals with kidney disease because magnesium can build up in the blood and cause muscle weakness.

5. MAY CAUSE SEIZURES

Tremors and seizures are other serious symptoms of ice melt toxicity, and you should get your fur baby to the veterinarian immediately in this case.

6. PAW, SKIN, NOSE, AND EYE BURNS CAN OCCUR

When ice melt chemicals come in contact with the skin, paws, nose, or eyes, they can cause burns. What’s more, many dogs and cats will ingest ice melt by licking it off their paws.

A PET-SAFE ALTERNATIVE

Safe Paw Ice Melt is a revolutionary salt- and chloride-free formula that doesn’t contain any of the dangerous chemicals found in traditional ice melts. It’s safe for people, plants, the environment, and dogs and cats, even if ingested. It won’t burn paws or skin, it’s non-toxic, and it’s the ultimate solution for winter slips and falls!

Visit Safe Paw to learn more.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Animal Wellness

Animal Wellness is North America\’s top natural health and lifestyle magazine for dogs and cats, with a readership of over one million every year. AW features articles by some of the most renowned experts in the pet industry, with topics ranging from diet and health related issues, to articles on training, fitness and emotional well being.