During winter when snow cover makes it difficult to move. Many persons turn to snow throwers, shovels, rock salt, and ice melt formulas to clear paths near their premises. Only a few of the ice melt formulas however are safe for pets. And that’s what we are going to look at.
Harmful effects of Ice Melts on Pets
The unsafe ice melt harms pets by causing irritation to their paws, skin, and mucous membranes. And is also extremely toxic if ingested. This can happen easily because pets tend to lick their paws often.
Some of the symptoms of toxic ice melt on pets include;
- Nausea
- Vomiting & diarrhea
- Trouble walking
- Excessive thirst
- Seizures
- Death
Get medical attention for your pet immediately if you notice any of these symptoms.
One of the common first actions by a veterinarian would be to administer activated charcoal to absorb any toxins present in the pet’s system.
Types of Ice Melt
There are different types of ice melt in the market. the point of difference mostly comes from the compounds used in the formulation. Some of the most commonly used compounds are;
Sodium chloride– Also known as rock salt for snow. Is a naturally occurring and commonly used compound. It’s so much similar to table salt apart from the size of the grains.
This compound irritates the pet’s skin and paws. But has little to no effect if ingested, by the pet, in moderate amounts.
Calcium Chloride– It is preferred for its ability to lower the melting point of water to a huge extent. It acts like sodium chloride, but ingestion of large amounts causes ulcerations in the pet’s stomach and mouth.
Magnesium Chloride- Naturally occurs in lakes and seawater where it is mined. it’s effective in removing ice from roads and other surfaces. But causes itching and irritation to the paws, skin, and mucous membranes of pets If it comes into contact. When ingested in substantial amounts it may cause; nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Ethylene Glycol- Not only is this a common compound in ice melts but also in antifreeze coolants. it’s a deadly compound if ingested with extremely low margins of safety.
Urea- Although not an effective compound in dealing with ice like the others. It’s generally safe on the skin and paws of most pets. It’s however less safe on ruminants, and cats when ingested. Harming the red blood cells of the latter.
Safe for Pets Ice Melt- Top Picks
1) Safe Paw Ice Melt with Traction Agent
This is arguably the safest agent out there for both pets and humans. It is made using a salt and chlorine-free formulation. And is able to last up to 72 hours on the ice surface.
The ice melt works by breaking up the ice surface tension and penetrating inside. Where it uses the formulation to break up the ice compound destabilizing it and causing it to melt.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| * Non-corrosive * comes in an easy-spread container * Environmentally safe. * Lasts up to 72 hours on the surface * The visible color ensures optimal coverage when applying it | * Struggles with thicker snow and ice |
2) Snow Joe Melt-2-Go Pet Safe Ice Melter
The melt-to-go ice melt doesn’t list the specific compounds used in its formulation. But it’s laced with calcium and magnesium acetate to ensure its effectiveness as an ice melt.
We can also confirm that this the ice melt causes no irritation on the paws or skin of the pet. It also doesn’t harm the environment in any way. So, you are assured of safety on your grass, trees, and other vegetation.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| * Really effective as an ice melt * Environmentally friendly * safe on wood and concrete * Comes in different sizes * Color-coated crystals to measure coverage when applying | * Doesn’t dissolve completely and some crystals are left behind. |
3) Harris Kind Melt Pet-Friendly Ice Melt
This ice melt contains a magnesium chloride compound. And is uniquely formulated NOT to irritate pet skin and paws. It’s less corrosive to concrete and effective at temperatures of -up to -13°F.
This ice melt has been listed by the Organic Minerals Research Institute (OMRI) for organic use. Therefore, you can be assured of its safety.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| * Works immediately as an ice melt * Less corrosive to concrete * Effective up to low temperatures of -13°F. * Melts completely with no residue * Comes with a scoop that makes it easy to apply | * A bit pricey |
4) Redmond Ice Slicer Ice Melt
This ice melt formulation contains a unique blend of complex chlorides and over 60 rare earth minerals. Its unique blend makes it melt ice faster and over a large area. One 10 lb. bag is able to treat up to 400 square feet.
When you use this Ice Slicer, you decrease your chloride impact by up to 50% and cut your alkaline impact by up to 167%. This is because it’s dye-free, urea-free, and polymer-free.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| * Lovely packaging * Environmentally safe * You are able to use less over a large area * Budget-friendly * Coarse granules help maintain traction | * It’s really sticky on shoes when stepped on. |
5) Safe thaw industrial strength ice melt
This ice melt is formulated using a modified crystalline amide core infused with a special glycol admixture. It also includes proprietary traction agents that increase traction to prevent slipping.
One unique feature of the safe thaw ice melt is the ability to attract solar heat. And provide extra melting during daylight hours.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| * Environmentally safe * Non-corrosive * Excellent spread rate: 100 sq. ft. per lb. * Value price | * Starts to work slowly |
How To Protect Pets from Harmful Ice Melts
It’s difficult to tell the type of ice melt that has been used along the public roads and common areas. So, it’s important to take care of our pets, when inside our homes and outside. These are some of the safety measures one can take.
- Always ensure the pets are properly hydrated with clean and safe water. So that they will not be tempted to ingest snow and ice.
- Monitor the movements and activities of your pet
- Put paw protectors, and/or paw wax on your pets while heading outdoors.
- Wash your dog on the skin and paws after coming from outside, when it’s snowing.
- Store ice melts safely away from your pets.
- Always buy pet-safe ice melt for use around your home.
- Consider using other alternatives, such as the shovel, for dealing with ice and snow on roads and pavement.
Conclusion
The winter season is a favorite for many pets, especially the pooch. It’s at this time that they get to play their favorite winter games. And enjoy the festivities together with the humans.
As this happens let’s unanimously ensure we use safe ice melt for our pets so that they will live through the festivities, and winter season.
The guide and list provided in this article will serve to ensure that your pet is protected. And that no harm will be as a result of harmful ice melt.
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