Pet-Safe Winterizing Products

Which Ice Melt or De-Icer Products are Pet Friendly?

            Winter is here and that means the potential for snow, ice and frigid temperatures which also means we need to use products to melt ice on our sidewalks and roads and keep our windshields frost-free.  Many of these products contain salts or other chemicals that can be damaging to our pets.  They can cause chemical burns, GI upset and even seizures if large amounts are ingested.  Products like anti-freeze that contain ethylene glycol can be deadly.  But there are some safer, pet-friendly alternatives.

            Typical ice-melt products contain chlorides or salts.  Sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium chlorides are all used.  The problem with these chlorides is that they can become hot when in contact with ice or water and cause burns and skin irritation when in contact with the paws.  Ingestion can cause stomach upset, vomiting or diarrhea. 

Urea is a safer option but may not be very effective and it is more expensive due to extensive processing needed to make it safe.  Modified crystalline carbonyl diamide is a safe and effective ice melt product as are eco safe glycols.  Speaking of glycols, propylene glycol is a pet-safe alternative to the toxic ethylene glycol found in some windshield de-icer fluids and antifreeze. 

In short, when it comes to pet friendly products, use the safest ice melt and de-icing products you can and use the least amount possible to get the job done.  Ideally, the label will state the product is safe for children and/or pets and should contain glycols or the carbonyl diamide.  And, while you may do your part to use pet-safe products, not everyone does, so, if you are walking your dog on streets or sidewalks, you may want to wipe his or her feet when you get home to remove any salts or chemicals from the paws to avoid irritation and accidental ingestion. 

Here’s to a safe winter season for you and your pets!

This blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital, serving York, Red Lion and the surrounding communities. 

Source: www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com