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The Downsides of Using Rock Salt to Melt Ice

Originally posted on Men's Journal | By Emily Fazio | Last updated Nov 24, 2024 10:00 AM ET

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When winter months hit and icy surfaces become a concern, many of us turn to traditional rock salt as a quick fix. After all, it’s effective, easy to find, and cheap. But as straightforward as it seems, it can be a bigger disadvantage during cold weather than you realize.

While effective for melting ice, rock salt can pose significant health risks to pets (especially curious dogs who tend to sniff, lick, or walk on treated surfaces). "For anyone walking on newly rock salt-treated driveways, it's important to protect both you and your dog's feet as rock salt can cause cuts and damage to the skin," shares Jewels Busenberg, Senior Running/Cycling Footwear Buyer at Zappos. Additionally, from its impact on the environment to potential damage to property, it's time to consider other options for de-icing.

The Risks of Rock Salt for Dogs and Other Pets

Road salts can harm your dog in more ways than you might think:

Paw Irritation: Irritated paws from salt can be uncomfortable. Rock salt is harsh on paws, especially for dogs who already suffer from sensitive or dry paw pads. The coarse grains can cause abrasions, and the salt itself can dry out and irritate their skin, leading to redness, cracking, and discomfort.
Ingestion Hazards: Dogs often lick their paws after being outside, and if they’ve walked on salted surfaces, they’re likely to ingest some. Ingesting even a small amount of rock salt can lead to gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea. Larger amounts can cause kidney damage or sodium toxicity, which is a medical emergency.
Dehydration and Thirst: Ingested salt can disrupt your dog’s electrolyte balance, causing increased thirst and dehydration. This can be more harmful if your dog doesn’t have regular access to fresh water.
Corrosion of Metal on Dog Tags and Accessories: Rock salt can also corrode metal, which damages dog tags, leash clips, and other accessories your dog wears daily.

Pet-Safe Ice Melt Alternatives

We've been testing pet-friendly alternatives to salt for years. Here are the ones we like best for use on our own driveway, patio, and sidewalks:

Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA): Unlike rock salt, CMA is less harsh on paws and is often labeled as pet-safe. We've found that it's just effective for melting ice without posing the same ingestion risks.
Pet-Safe Ice Melters: Many brands now offer de-icing products labeled as “pet-safe,” which use ingredients less likely to irritate paws or cause harm if ingested. Be on the lookout.
Sand or Gravel: While sand and stones don’t melt ice, they do provide extra traction on frozen surfaces and won’t harm your dog’s paws or cause health issues if ingested. Cleanup in the spring isn't as fun. Sand dissipates easier than gravel.

Tips for Keeping Your Dog Safe Around Rock Salt

If you can’t avoid areas with rock salt entirely, here are some tips for pet owners to protect your pup when you’re out and about:

Rinse Paws After Walks: Use a damp cloth or warm water to clean your dog’s paws after walks on salted surfaces. This prevents them from licking off any residual salt crystals.
Use Booties for Added Protection: Consider using booties for your dog during walks in icy conditions. "We recommend footwear that will protect your feet/paws while also offering traction for those rainy and snowy days," notes Busenberg. "A good trail running sneaker that is also waterproof is a good choice [for humans]."
Moisturize Paw Pads: Apply a dog-safe paw balm to help protect against dryness and cracking caused by exposure to salt.
Stay on Clear Paths: Stick to areas that look like they haven’t been treated with rock salt or other chemical de-icers to avoid exposure altogether.
Watch for Signs of Discomfort: If your dog is lifting or licking its paws excessively after a walk, check for any redness, irritation, or cracking that may indicate salt exposure.

What happens if my dog eats rock salt?

If your dog ingests traditional rock salt, it can lead to mild to severe rock salt poisoning. Common symptoms of gastrointestinal issues are vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, and drooling. In large amounts of rock salt, it may cause more severe reactions, such as lethargy, muscle tremors, or neurologic symptoms like seizures, due to sodium toxicity. If you suspect your dog has ingested a significant amount of rock salt, contact your vet immediately to check blood sodium levels.

Are all de-icers safe for dogs?

Not all de-icers are pet-safe. Products labeled as “pet-safe” are typically designed to be less irritating to paws and safer if ingested, but it’s always best to check the ingredient list and consult with your vet if you’re unsure. Calcium magnesium acetate and products specifically formulated as pet-friendly tend to be among the safest choices as efficient melting alternatives to rock salt.

This article first appeared on Men's Journal and was syndicated with permission.

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