Other Ways to Help:
While some of the other ice melts out there are easier on dogs’ and cats’ paws than rock salt, they are much more dangerous when ingested. Ethylene glycol-based ice melts contain the same active ingredient as antifreeze, which is very deadly if ingested. “It’s one of the deadliest toxins we see at our office,” Inman notes.
The short answer is no, pet-safe ice melts are not completely safe. While some ice melts are “safer” for pets than others, they all carry some risk, notes Dr. Sarah Gorman, associate veterinarian at Boston Animal Hospital. “The ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center classifies all ice melt products as being chemical irritants that can cause gastrointestinal signs, like vomiting and diarrhea, and topical irritation to the paw pads and skin,” she explains. “Prolonged exposure to the skin for any of these compounds can cause chemical burns.”
In terms of ingestion, dogs should be prevented from eating ice melt when out on walks, and all chemicals should be kept locked up and out of reach of pets when not in use. If a pet does get into ice melt, our experts urge pet owners to call their veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline, and, if the pet has ingested a large amount, head straight to their vet or nearest animal hospital.
Some of the safest of ice melts are the ones with a propylene glycol base, Gorman says. However, it should be noted that propylene glycol ice melts often include urea as the active ingredient, which, while generally recognized as relatively pet-safe, is not as effective as other ice melt options, according to some chemical companies. And propylene glycol itself is not without some concerns. While it is quite safe for dogs, propylene glycol can damage a cat’s red blood cells when ingested.
Dr. Liz Alton, owner and practicing veterinarian at Green Mountain Animal Hospital in Burlington, Vermont, says that owners should keep a close eye on their dogs in the wintertime, especially if they start licking at their feet or walking gingerly. “If the animal’s feet look red, irritated, or rashy, or if the dog just doesn’t seem to be acting right, thats the time to bring him in to the vet. We might not be able to say for sure what caused the irritation, but we can certainly treat it and ensure it heals properly.”
Most Common Exposures
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) receives the most calls around these topics, in order of popularity:
The third topic around actual consumption of ice melt is less common, but potentially a more serious concern due to actual ingestion of the minerals that make up ice melt products.