The 3 Best Pet-Friendly Ice Melt to Use This Winter

Taking care of your dog or cat in the winter is important for both their comfort and safety. You have to keep them warm and safe while still providing plenty of ways for them to get exercise and enrichment. As the winter weather picks up, you might be looking to get ice melt for your driveway or walkways that are safe to use around pets. Even though your pet might have tender paws, you can still find a product that will keep them safe and comfortable, even as it works its magic on the ice. Keep reading to learn about the best pet-friendly ice melt to use this winter.

Why Use Ice Melt with Pets?

Not taking care of icy walkways can cause problems not just for you but also for your pet. Icy walkways and driveways can be hazardous when you need to take your dog for a walk or let them out to do their business in the winter. If the ice is jagged or sharp, it can also create an additional hazard for your pet’s delicate paws or skin. This is why many pet owners turn to ice melt to keep their walkways and driveways clear of hazards. In fact, these pellets or crystals are a popular solution for homeowners and businesses in areas that get a lot of snow. However, pet owners have to take a few extra steps to make sure that it is safe for their pets.

Dangers of Ice Melt for Pets

One of the main ingredients in ice melt is chloride, either sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, or potassium chloride. This ingredient works with the ice to form a brine, which lowers the freezing point and melts the ice. Unfortunately for your pets, this combination can cause irritation to their paws. The chloride and salt ingredients are the two things to watch for when selecting an ice melt. Both ingredients can be irritating on their own and especially together. Unfortunately, many standard ice melts use both.

Chloride is also toxic if your pet ingests it. Not only is storing the ice melt potentially dangerous if your pet gets into the bin, but it can also cause stomach distress if they eat even small pieces off the ground. Because they often mix with the ice, slush, and water, your pet can track chloride in on their paws. When they lick their paws clean later, there’s a good chance that they’ll ingest some of the chloride. While it isn’t lethal in most cases, it can cause upset stomach and discomfort.

Some pet owners opt to use dog shoes to protect their pup’s paws from the ice and cold in the winter. However, not all dogs like to wear shoes and it might not be the easiest solution for every pet. Situations like these make ice melt a good option, although make sure to get a pet-safe option.

1. Morton Safe-T-Pet Ice Melt

This ice melt is made by the same company behind table salt and Epsom salt. With such a long history of development, it’s not surprising that the Morton Safe-T-Pet ice melt is also very effective. The formula is free from chloride, which can irritate your pet’s paws. Fortunately, with this option, you don’t need to worry about potentially harmful ingredients. Morton even had veterinarians weigh in when developing the formula. The ice melt is still effective, even in temperatures as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Safe Paw PetSafe Ice Melt

The main ingredient in Safe Paw PetSafe Ice Melt is modified carbonyl diamide crystals rather than any chlorides. There is also a glycol mixture to get to work right away. This formula has liquid and crystals to work in two different ways at once. It works similarly by breaking up the ice on the surface, although it may not be quite as effective as the chloride options, especially on thick ice. But it can be just the thing on walkways and areas where your pet may frequent to keep them safe.

3. Natural Rapport Pet-Safe Ice Melt

This pet-friendly formula uses calcium magnesium acetate to get rid of ice. It works by changing the actual consistency of the ice from hard crystal to something lighter and fluffier. You’ll have to manually remove the resulting slush, which resembles oatmeal. The Natural Rapport product is bright green, making it easier to see where you applied it. As an added bonus, this formula is also milder on concrete and other hard surfaces, resulting in less corrosion when used often. It is also safer for plants, although we still recommend keeping application limited to walkways and driveways.