With winter in full swing, ice and snow may soon begin covering parts of your property and driveway. If you have a pet at home, it’s crucial that you practice caution when choosing an ice melt product, as some of them can be dangerous to animals. Here’s what you should know about the substances and how you can find safe alternatives. 

What Are Ice Melt Products?

The winter ice presents a frustrating problem for many homeowners since it creates a slipping hazard for anyone walking by. It also makes it treacherous to drive your vehicle away from home or back to the property. Ice melt products break down slick surfaces, making them safe for walking and driving again. 

Why Are Some of Them a Problem For Pets?

Unfortunately, many ice melts contain dangerous chemicals like calcium chloride and sodium chloride. While these substances melt the ice, they can lead to substantial skin problems as well as gastrointestinal tract irritation in both humans and animals. While humans are protected from direct exposure by virtue of their shoes, pets are not. Not knowing any better, they may frolic in the snow and ice, exposing their paws to the corrosive substances and causing irritation. If dogs lick their paws and ingest the chemicals, it can lead to gastrointestinal issues such as hypersalivation, nausea, and vomiting.

What Can You Do About It?

The best thing to do is avoid any products that contain calcium chloride sodium chloride. or other toxic chemicals. Luckily, there are alternative ice melts that are made specifically to be pet-friendly. Still, as a precaution, it’s a best practice to wipe your pet’s paws whenever they come in from the snow and check them regularly for signs of irritation. Not only will this remove any problematic materials, but it will help you keep a cleaner interior.

Keep your walkways and your pets safe this winter with help from the ice melt specialists at T & N in Foristell, MO. Their innovative ice melt product, Paw Pal®, is safe for pets and is 60 to 70% less corrosive than salt. In addition, they offer fertilizers and weed-control formulas to keep your grass green and lush come spring. Learn more about their products by visiting the website, or call (636) 673-2505 to speak to a friendly member of the team today.