Categories: Quick Tips

Safer Ice Melt: Protect Your Pets – Friday Quickie

All of this snow outside means people rush to treat their sidewalks and driveways. But don’t run and buy the nearest rock salt available on your corner store.

Common ice melt products and rock salt can become trapped in pets’ paws, causing severe irritation and burns. Or, the animals will lick their paws in relief and ingest them, which is even worse and can lead to serious side effects. Even if you have an indoor animal, you’ll track some salt in with your shoes in the cold weather.

Choosing Safe & Pet-Friendly Ice Melt

How can you tell if the ice melt is safe for your furry BFF? Look for labels that are pet-safe. If the products are safe for animals, they’re often environmentally friendly too. Win-win.

Avoid fertilizers, products that damage concrete and decking. Rock salt or sodium chloride is the most toxic.

Green & Pet-Friendly Ice Melt

Looking for the best ice melt brands? Here’s a rundown:

  • Earth Friendly Products Ice melt is mostly made from magnesium chloride, which is safer than sodium chloride according to Grist.
  • Inferno Ice Melter uses acetates, which is less damaging than salts. But it may damage aquatic life.
  • Sand will help you add traction to the ice, although won’t do much to melt it.
  • Cat litter will also add traction (but not do much to melt.) If you’re going this route, make sure to steal a Pounce-approved brand like Swheat Scoop or World’s Best Cat Litter. Avoid clay varieties – they’re bad for the earth & feline.

The Verdict

Most ‘ice melt’ brands often have ingredients that aren’t foolproof. Alternatives like sand & cat litter won’t help ice melt, but improve traction.

The overall lesson? Shovel snow ASAP before it turns to ice and use a minimal ice treatment where absolutely necessary.

Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake.

Share
Published by
Julie Hancher

Recent Posts

New park renovations, SBN Director steps down, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  Newly renovated playground and basketball court in Port…

1 day ago

Eco-Explainer: What is the Office of Sustainability?

If you have ever wondered what this city office does, we have you covered. The…

2 days ago

Illegal dumping consequences, EPA stops protecting environment, new dumpsters, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  City ordinance to impound cars of illegal dumpers.…

1 week ago

Eco-Explainer: What is the Difference Between a Heat Advisory and a Heat Warning?

Feeling the heat? Learn how heat alerts can help you beat it and protect your…

1 week ago

How Erica Brown leads young people to “Sunrise” in the fight for climate justice

The Sunrise Philly Director shares her vision, challenges, and what keeps her going in the…

1 week ago

No more stopping in bike lanes, enviro groups sue over toxic chemical, and how public spaces contribute to thriving democracies

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  Stopping in bike lanes now ticketed. PPA began…

2 weeks ago