Winter – Snow, Ice, and Rock Salt/Ice Melt
Regular Rock Salt/Ice Melt is sodium chloride, calcium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium chloride and/or calcium carbonate and calcium magnesium acetate in various mixes. These salts when mixed with water, resulting from the melting snow/ice, are exothermic – they produce HEAT. Up to 170 degrees F! Enough to cause severe burns.
Pet Safe Ice Melts contain no or very little salts. You should look for modified carbonyldiamide or propylene glycols (not ethylene based glycols).
Labels
If companies smooth the crystals within salts, they are allowed to use “pet safe” or “pet friendly” on their labels – but it’s still the unsafe salts. If there are warnings on the label(s) to wear gloves, wash after exposure, or similar handling restrictions, these are likely NOT truly pet friendly or safe.
Procedures
There are a few things you must do in order to use any type of pet friendly ice melt products this winter; where you don't have to worry about harming your dog:
• Use non-toxic pet-friendly ice melts and anti-icing products;
• Read the Label! Pay close attention to the ingredients list on the packaging.
• Do more research before making your purchase to ensure that the product you choose is 100% safe for pets and the company is reputable.
• The best pet safe ice melt is only as good as its compounds listed on the label.
• Clean your dog's paws after they get in contact with the product (use lukewarm water and wash well then pat dry especially between toes);
• Avoid areas where you know people do not use pet safe ice melt;
• You can use booties for additional protection.
• Be aware of the area and make sure your pet doesn't consume the actual product.