Ice-melt is a must-have product if you live in cold state. But did you know that some brands of ice melts are harmful to dogs? Thankfully, you can find dog safe ice melts that contain organic ingredients and won’t cause any harm to your canine companion.
Why Is Ice Melt Dangerous for Dogs?
Ice melt typically contains ingredients such as magnesium chloride, sodium chloride, or calcium chloride. Sodium chloride is particularly deadly – ingesting 4 grams of this chemical per 2.3 lb. of body weight can kill a dog. Exposure to any of these chemicals can cause severe vomiting or diarrhea.
Keeping your dog from eating the ice melts pellets is not enough. Your dog can ingest these dangerous chemicals by licking its paws after walking in the snow.
You can protect your dog’s paws with special boots or socks, but your dog could still ingest chemicals by drinking from puddles or eating snow.
What Makes An Ice Melt Pet-Friendly?
You can find ice melt made with ingredients like crystalline amide and glycols. These ice melts do not contain any salt and work just as well as other alternatives.
Dog safe ice melt is a little pricier, but you definitely need to use this product if you have a pet. Besides, these ice melts are a lot less harmful for the environment. Using an ice melt with organic ingredients is also safer if you have young children.
What Should You Look At When Choosing An Ice Melt?
If an ice melt is pet-friendly, you will easily find this information on the product label. There are a few other things you should look at:
Reviews of The Best Dog Safe Ice Melts
Safe Paw Non-Toxic Ice Melter Pet Safe, 8 lbs. 3oz.
This ice melt is free of any toxic ingredients and shoppers report having to use only a small quantity to get results. The ingredients include carbonyl diamine and glycol admixture. This product should work in temperatures as low as -2 °F.
The concentrated formula is a plus. You can apply this ice melt and the product will work for up to three days before you need to re-apply it. This is an ideal option if you need a pet-friendly ice melt, have children, or want a formula that won’t cause damages to plants, stone, or concrete bricks.
Pros
Cons
Safe Paw Non-Toxic Ice Melter Pet Safe
Milazzo Industries 02020 Qik Joe Safe Pet Ice Melter, 20-Pound
This 20 lb. bag of ice melt is a safe and affordable option to keep your driveway free of ice throughout the winter. This product contains nontoxic ingredients, but it does contain propylene glycol.
This ice melt is non-corrosive and won’t damage your pet’s paws, but note that it is not safe to ingest in large quantities because it contains propylene glycol.
The price is very affordable, and this ice melt works in low temperatures.
Pros
Cons
Milazzo Industries 02020 Qik Joe Safe Pet Ice Melter, 20-Pound
PESTELL 683051 Paw Thaw Ice Melt For Pets, 25-Pound Bag
This product is a safe way to de-ice your driveway without exposing your pet or children to dangerous chemicals. The downside is that you cannot use this product on newer concrete or precast. If the concrete in your driveway is more than one year old, you can safely use this ice melt.
Paw Thaw comes in two sizes – 25 lb. and 50 lb. This ice melts forms a protective coating to protect concrete from corrosion, and the formula doesn’t leave any residues that would cling to shoes and make a mess in your home.
This ice melts works in temperatures as low as 0 °F.
Pros
Cons
PESTELL 683051 Paw Thaw Ice Melt For Pets
Safe Paw Ice Melter 35 Lbs/Pail
This salt-free ice melt is safe for your pets and is an environmental-friendly option. Being able to purchase a 35 lb. pail makes this an affordable way to de-ice your driveway.
Safe Paw works in temperatures as low as 2°F, and the concentrated pellets will prevent icing for up to three days. Ingredients include carbonyl diamide and glycol admixture.
This ice melt pail is a viable option if you are looking for something that is cost-efficient and already have a smaller shaker you can use to apply the pellets on your driveway.
Pros
Cons
Safe Paw Ice Melter 35 Lbs/Pail
You can’t go wrong with an ice melt made by Safe Paw. You can opt for the Safe Paw Non-Toxic Ice Melter Pet Safe, 8 lbs. 3oz or save money and get a larger pail Safe Paw Ice Melter 35 Lbs/Pail.
The Safe Paw formula is safe for dogs, children, and for the environment. We really liked the concentrated slow release formula, since the pellets will keep your driveway free of ice for up to three days in temperatures as low as 2°F.
The 35 lb. pail would make more sense for a larger driveway or for long winters. Think about getting a smaller container if you want to test the product or if you only occasionally need to use ice melt to prevent icing on a smaller area.
Last update on 2023-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API