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Urea based ice melts are generally the ones labeled as safe for use around pets. Ingestion of urea usually leads to salivation and mild gastrointestinal irritation, but large ingestions may result in weakness, tremors, and methemoglobinemia.
By: Caley Chambers, 2015 DVM Candidate University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine Extern, Pet Poison Helpline
Increased intake of potassium, as seen with large ingestions of potassium chloride salts, is unlikely to produce sustained hyperkalemia unless renal excretion is impaired in the dog. Potassium chloride, however, is a severe irritant and can cause gastrointestinal irritation to the point of hemorrhagic vomiting or diarrhea.
Ingestion of ice melts containing magnesium chloride can be irritating and result in gastrointestinal upset. In addition, hypermagnesemia can occur with very large ingestions, but is unlikely to occur unless the dog has renal disease.
This is the author’s dog, “Maddie,” a 5 year old female golden doodle. Winter is one of “Maddie’s” favorite seasons. Her favorite outdoor winter activity is to bury her face deep into the snow and repeatedly give herself “face washes.”
Guerrero also lists calcium carbonate, calcium magnesium acetate, and urea as other dangerous chemicals found in de-icers, which can cause vomiting, eye irritation, hyper salivation and abdominal pain.
Ice melt packages don’t always list ingredients, and there’s no telling what products neighbors use. So to avoid dog and cat health care issues from ingestion of chemicals that trail inside the home, paws and shoes should always be wiped off when entering a house.
As the snow and ice begin to blanket the ground, so does the ice melt. While ice melt is important for our safety, it can mean health issues for your dogs and cats.
Some ice melts that are safe for pets include Morton Safe-T-Pet, Howard Johnson’s Pet-Guard Ice Melt, and Ossian’s MAC.
The biggest pet health danger is ingestion of the ice melt salt, either while outside or after a walk when pets clean their paws. Additionally, walking on small rocks of salt can cause paw irritation, especially if the paws are dry and cracked due to cold winter air.
Calcium Chloride Non-surgical Sterilization of Dogs and Cats
While ice melt is necessary for our protection, it can cause health problems for your pets. Ingestion of ice melt salt, either while outside or after a stroll when pets clean their paws, is a health risk for pets. Walking on small salt rocks can also cause paw irritation, particularly if the paws are dry and cracked from the cold winter air. The pets are at risk because of ice melters available in the market; even homemade ice melter solutions are not safe for pets.