During winter, snow and ice melting products (“snow melt” or “ice melt”) are commonly used on sidewalks, driveways, and roads. While helpful for people, many of these products can be dangerous to pets.

Why Snow Melt Is a Problem

Snow melt products often contain chemicals such as:

salt (sodium chloride), calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, potassium chloride, urea or ethylene glycol additives

These substances can harm pets through skin contact, paw exposure, or ingestion.

Pets can be exposed in a variety of ways including walking on treated sidewalks or roads, licking paws after being outdoors, drinking from puddles made of melted snow, or ingesting granules tracked indoors

Potential Health Risks

Paw and Skin Irritation

-Redness, cracking, dryness, or burns on paw pads, pain or limping

Gastrointestinal Upset

-Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite

Salt Toxicity (in severe cases)

-Increased thirst and urination, lethargy, tremors or weakness, seizures (more rare)

What You Can Do to Protect Your Pet

-Wipe or rinse paws after every walk (warm water works best)

-Use pet booties for added protection

-Apply paw balms or waxes before walks

-Avoid letting pets drink from outdoor puddles

-Keep snow melt products stored securely out of reach

Choose Pet-Safer Options

• Look for products labeled “pet-safe” (note: no product is 100% risk-free)
• Use the smallest amount necessary
• Sweep up excess granules after application

When to Call the Veterinarian

Contact your veterinarian if your pet shows:

• Persistent paw pain or sores
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Excessive drooling
• Lethargy or behavior changes
• Tremors or seizures

Early treatment can prevent more serious complications. Please contact our 24 hour Emergency department with any concerns.