When the temperatures start to drop, you may start to wish your dog was toilet-trained. However, in addition to doing their business, they also need to go outside for fresh air, sunlight, and exercise. But as your meeting their needs, road salt can get in the way of a good time. Consult the following guide to learn how this asphalt de-icing agent can harm your pup and what you can do to prevent it.

A Guide to Pet Safety on Asphalt in the Winter

How Road Salt May Affect Your Dog

While they help prevent cars from skidding, road salt isn’t so friendly to living things. According to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act of 1999, ice melting products are toxic substances. Road salt contains sodium, calcium, and potassium or magnesium, but some include ferrocyanide salts and heavy metals. When your pet’s paws make contact with these minerals, they may experience a burning sensation, and the skin will get dry and brittle. Even worse, your dog may lick the salt off their paws, damaging their digestive system.

What De-Icing Agents Can Help

Luckily, there are some de-icing agents on the market that will make it safer for you to drive and walk your pet. For example, the well-known table salt company, Morton®, offers a product called Safe-T-Pet® Ice Melt®, which is free of chloride and salt but can still melt ice and snow on asphalt. You can use this on your driveway, walkways, and other paths near your property to avoid slipping and skidding.

How to Stay Safe When Walking on Asphalt

Unfortunately, you won’t be able to stop the municipality from using standard de-icing agents on local roads, so if you want to take your dog on a long walk, you’ll have to act defensively. To protect the skin on your puppy’s paws from the harsh chemicals and minerals, invest in some weather-resistant dog booties. In addition to safeguarding their skin from dryness and burning, the booties will also keep their feet warm in the cold weather.

 

If you’re interested in learning more about asphalt care in relation to your household and lifestyle, turn to MJM Services of Wasilla, AK. They have 25 years of experience offering paving services, and they can also patch and sealcoat your asphalt to prevent damage from the elements. To learn more about their offerings, visit the website or call (907) 376-5222 in April to get a free estimate.