Winter is coming, meaning that sidewalks, walkways, and driveways will soon need treatment to keep people safe. If you have pets, you’ll also need to make considerations for your pet’s safety, especially when it comes to ice melting agents. Many commercial ice melters contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to your pets in many ways. Additionally, there are a few misconceptions about pet-friendly ice melts that can lead you to question their effectiveness and safety. In this article, we’ll look at some of the most common myths and provide evidence-based information so you can make more informed decisions this winter.
Pet-Friendly Ice Melts Aren’t Effective
One of the most common misconceptions is that pet-friendly ice melts aren’t as effective as traditional ice melts. It’s true that pet-safe ice melts tend to take a little longer to break down ice, since they’re formulated to melt ice without harmful chemicals like sodium chloride. Many pet-friendly ice melts use non-salt ingredients like urea and glycols, which work efficiently in lower temperatures to keep your walkways clear without harming your pets.
In fact, you can actually benefit from the slower action of pet friendly ice melts. The normal ice melts that most people use have salt in them that generates heat when it melts ice, and the heat can burn your pets’ paws. Pet friendly ice melts don’t generate this heat, so they don’t irritate your pets’ paws. Even though they work a little slower, pet friendly ice melts are just as effective as traditional ice melts while being much safer for pets and the environment.
All Pet-Friendly Ice Melts Are 100% Safe
Nothing on this planet is completely 100% safe, and pet friendly ice melt is no exception. Even though they’re much safer than commercial ice melts, pet safe ice melts with ingredients like urea can still upset your pets’ stomach or irritate their paws when they’re exposed to huge quantities of them. This doesn’t mean you should completely avoid pet friendly ice melts, but you need to use them with care and caution. As a result, wiping your pet’s paws after exposure to any kind of ice melt, even if it’s labeled as pet-friendly, is a good idea.
Traditional Ice Melts Only Affect Pets if Ingested
When your pets are exposed to traditional ice melts, many people think the only danger comes from pets eating the ice melt. This couldn’t be further from the truth, since many of these products contain a form of sodium chloride that can irritate your pets’ skin, especially their paw pads. Extended periods of contact with these ice melts can cause discomfort and even burns on the affected areas. Additionally, the salt crystals are often jagged, which can cause cuts and abrasions on the paws. This will make it painful for your pets to walk.
Your pets might want to lick the salts off their paws after being exposed to these ice melts, but this can cause more problems. Salt toxicity is a good example, which can cause symptoms like vomiting, seizures, and staggering. Therefore, traditional ice melts have tons of risks associated with them past simple ingestion, which is why you need a pet friendly ice melt.
Pet-Safe Ice Melts Are Expensive and Not Worth the Cost
Pet safe ice melts tend to be slightly more expensive than traditional ones, but there isn’t a huge difference in cost, and keeping your pet safe should outweigh the cost anyway. The complications that come from issues with traditional ice melt tend to be quite expensive, so you’ll also save money on vet bills in the long term.
If the difference in cost still concerns you, use the ice melt strategically by only using it in high-traffic areas. This will drastically reduce the amount of ice melt you need. Moreover, there are many DIY pet friendly ice melts that use common household ingredients you probably have on hand, like baking soda or dish soap.
All Pet-Friendly Ice Melts Are Natural and Non-Toxic
While many pet-safe ice melts use natural ingredients, you need to remember that “natural” and “non-toxic” aren’t the same. Ingredients like magnesium chloride and urea are safer for pets than sodium chloride, but they can still cause minor issues if your pets eat too much. For instance, large amounts of magnesium chloride can upset their stomachs, while urea, commonly found in fertilizers, can cause mild skin irritation.
Therefore, you should be using pet-friendly ice melts in moderation. Make sure to spread them sparingly, store them somewhere your pets can’t get to them, and pay attention to pet’s exposure to treated surfaces. Even the safest products can cause issues if you’re overusing them or if your pet eats too much.
Picking the Right Pet Friendly Ice Melt
Choosing the right ice melt plays a huge role in keeping your walkways and your pets safe. When you understand the myths surrounding pet friendly ice melts, you can make an informed decision that puts your pets’ health first. While no product is 100% risk-free, using pet-safe de-icing solutions can significantly reduce the dangers posed by traditional ice melts. Additionally, wiping your pet’s paws after walks and using products in moderation can further protect them during winter months.
