Rock salt can be dangerous to pets

In winter, dogs and other four-legged friends, can face hazards from rock salt. Milly prefers the beach to the sidewalk. Photo credit: Judy Donohue

Rock salt, used to help de-ice wintry roads and pathways during the cold months, can be helpful to get all of us safely from Point A to Point B, but did you know that its use can take a serious toll on our pets? What can literally be a lifesaver for human pedestrians and vehicles, can actually be deadly to our four-pawed friends.

When spread by home owners, business owners and tenants, traditional rock salt can severely irritate a dog or cat’s paws and skin. If ingested, even a small amount of rock salt can cause a high blood sodium concentration in animals, leading to thirst, lethargy, and vomiting. In severe cases, it can even cause seizures, or liver and kidney damage.

Pet owners and non-pet owners should all be aware of the potential for damage, and there are several ways to prevent rock salt poisoning as well as skin or paw irritation.

First of all, if you currently use rock salt on your sidewalks, whether or not you have a pet, you can consider switching to another product. Of course, salt is economical, but with so many people walking their dogs in and around Manchester, it is good to know that there alternatives available. Good old sand is safe, reliable, and inexpensive.

There are also plenty of pet-safe ice melting products on the market, available at most major retailers as well as online. While they may cost a bit more, they can provide peace of mind to everyone who uses the sidewalks

If you are walking your pet outdoors, try to avoid walking in areas that appear heavily covered with rock salt. If that’s not possible, be sure to wash the salt off your pets’ paws and skin after each walk (this will also help avoid poisoning, as dogs may lick their paws to try to get the salt out). You also can consider investing in special boots that fit over paws, if your dog is particularly sensitive. Don’t allow your pets to have free access to any areas that are treated with rock salt, and keep any provisions safely covered in pet-proof containers. Prevent him from drinking out of salty puddles and keep him away from any piles of salt you encounter while out for your daily walks.

Depending on the condition of your dog’s feet, walking across rock salt can range from unpleasant to excruciating. Granules can become stuck in their paws, causing soreness. Check to make sure they’re not limping when you’re out walking in the winter. If paws or skin is cracked or broken, the agony will be worse — he’s literally having salt rubbed into his wounds.

The symptoms of rock salt poisoning include lethargy, thirst, vomiting, and seizures. Be alert if your dog displays any of these symptoms, and call your vet immediately if you suspect your pet has ingested even the smallest amount.

Kody prefers summer days on the kayak to winter’s chill–especially on rock-salt covered sidewalks and roads. Photo credit: Todd Kandow

For as little as $1 a month, you can keep Manchester-focused news coverage alive.

by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.