Is Calcium Chloride Ice Melt Safe for Pets?

When the snow and ice start to fall, many people reach for calcium chloride ice melt to keep their sidewalks and driveways safe.

What is Calcium Chloride?

Calcium chloride is a chemical compound that is used to melt ice and snow. It is a white or gray solid that is highly soluble in water. When calcium chloride is mixed with water, it releases heat, which helps to melt the ice and snow.

Is Calcium Chloride Ice Melt Safe for Pets?

The answer is: No.

Calcium chloride can be harmful to pets if they ingest it. Symptoms of calcium chloride poisoning in pets can include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and dehydration. In severe cases, calcium chloride poisoning can lead to kidney failure and death.

Pets can ingest calcium chloride by licking it off their paws, eating snow or ice that has been treated with calcium chloride, or drinking water that has been contaminated with calcium chloride.

How to Keep Your Pets Safe from Calcium Chloride Ice Melt

There are a few things you can do to keep your pets safe from calcium chloride ice melt:

• Keep your pets indoors as much as possible when the snow and ice are falling.
• If you must take your pet outside, keep them on a leash and prevent them from eating snow or ice.
• Rinse your pet's paws with warm water after they have been outside.
• Provide your pet with plenty of fresh water to drink.
• If you suspect that your pet has ingested calcium chloride, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Alternatives to Calcium Chloride Ice Melt

There are a number of alternatives to calcium chloride ice melt that are safer for pets. These alternatives include:

• Sand
• Gravel
• Pet-safe ice melt

When choosing a pet-safe ice melt, look for a product that is labeled "pet-friendly" or "safe for pets." These products are typically made with ingredients that are less harmful to pets than calcium chloride.

Conclusion

Calcium chloride ice melt can be harmful to pets if they ingest it. There are a number of things you can do to keep your pets safe from calcium chloride ice melt, including keeping them indoors as much as possible, keeping them on a leash when they are outside, rinsing their paws with warm water after they have been outside, providing them with plenty of fresh water to drink, and contacting your veterinarian immediately if you suspect that they have ingested calcium chloride. There are also a number of alternatives to calcium chloride ice melt that are safer for pets.