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During the winter, pet owners often worry about the cold being too much for their furry friend to handle. However, the season presents other hazards. Ice melt can be harmful to your pet’s paws, leading to injuries and illnesses if they walk on it or accidentally ingest it. According to pet day care professionals, the best way to prevent a health incident is to know what goes into ice melt, so you know which ingredients to avoid for everyone’s safety.

What Makes Ice Melt Dangerous for Pets?

pet day care Highland Heights KYMany of the products used to melt ice contain sodium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride, and magnesium chloride. These chemicals lower the freezing point of water, turning ice into soft slush that is easy to remove. While this property makes ice melt convenient for humans, it also makes the products risky to use around pets. If their paw pads touch any of these sodium-based compounds, they may develop serious chemical burns. Pet day care professionals also warn that the ice melt products can cause gastrointestinal issues if an animal ingests it by drinking meltwater or licking the salty substance off their paws.

If you’re not sure whether the ice melt product you use is safe for animals, read the packaging. If the label recommends keeping the product away from children, then it probably isn’t safe for pets, either. Other common warnings include eye irritation, skin rashes, and poison alerts that can affect humans and animals alike.

How Can I Choose a Pet-Friendly Ice Melt?

The simplest way to determine which products are safe is to look at the ingredients. Any products that contain various forms of salt and chloride should be avoided at all costs. Instead, look for products that provide traction, like sand, gravel, or cat litter, rather than products that cause a chemical reaction. 

Another factor to consider is the price. Inexpensive products work to melt ice, but they often contain filler chemicals that can be dangerous for people and pets. Finally, be vigilant about warning labels—if the packaging says to keep the product away from children, then it shouldn’t be used around pets.

 

The team at Robinwood Kennel in Highland Heights, KY, prioritizes your pet’s health and safety year-round, and especially during the winter. These professionals offer exceptional boarding and grooming services for a variety of pets. They are recognized as the region’s leading pet day care and provide clean, safe facilities for pets that play outdoors. Call (859) 781-2352 to book a stay for your pet, and visit their website and Facebook page for additional information.

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