When the winter season hits, keeping your walkways and driveways clear of ice is a top priority. However, if you have pets, you need to be careful about the type of ice melt you use. Many traditional ice melts contain chemicals that can be harmful or even fatal to animals. So, what are pet safe ice melt products made of?

What is Pet Safe Ice Melt Made of?

Ingredients in Pet Safe Ice Melt

There are a few different types of pet safe ice melt products available, but they typically contain one of the following ingredients:

Calcium chloride: This is the most common ingredient in pet safe ice melt. Calcium chloride is a natural mineral that is gentle on paws and skin. It is highly effective at melting ice at temperatures down to -25 degrees Fahrenheit.
Magnesium chloride: This is another natural mineral that is used in pet safe ice melt. Magnesium chloride is similar to calcium chloride in that it is gentle on paws and skin. It is also highly effective at melting ice, but it works at slightly higher temperatures than calcium chloride - down to -15 degrees Fahrenheit.
Potassium chloride: This is a synthetic ingredient that is also used in pet safe ice melt. Potassium chloride is very effective at melting ice, but it is not as safe for paws and skin as calcium chloride or magnesium chloride. It is important to avoid using potassium chloride ice melt if you have pets with sensitive paws or skin.
Acetate: This is a natural deicer that is also salt-free. Acetate is made from the fermentation of corn or other plants. It is less effective at melting ice than other pet safe ice melt products, but it is also less harmful to paws and skin.

Choosing a Pet Safe Ice Melt

When choosing a pet safe ice melt, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

Effectiveness: Make sure the product you choose is effective at melting ice at the temperatures you experience in your area.

Safety: Choose a product that is specifically labeled "pet safe." This means that it has been tested and found to be safe for animals.

Ease of use: Some ice melt products are easier to apply than others. Consider your own needs and preferences when choosing a product.

Using Pet Safe Ice Melt Safely

Even though pet safe ice melt products are generally safe for animals, there are a few things you can do to ensure that your pet is not exposed to any harmful chemicals:

Always keep ice melt products out of reach of pets.

Apply ice melt only to areas where your pet will not be walking or playing.

Rinse your pet's paws thoroughly with warm water after they have been exposed to ice melt.

If your pet ingests any ice melt, call your veterinarian immediately.