Just when you started to think the weather was becoming perfect for outdoor excursions with your dog, the “mini beast from the east” came barging in. It has brought huge areas of England and Scotland back to wintry conditions over the weekend.
“There are some very strong winds, meaning it could feel as low as -7°C or -8°C for some people,” warned meteorologist Alex Burkhill.
In such “bitterly cold” conditions, with snowfall potentially reaching twenty-five centimetres, the gritters will be out to keep the roads clear. Whilst that’s good news for the general public, it’s something that all dog owners should beware of.
Getting a Grip on Grit
Grit is composed of rock salt or sodium chloride, which lowers the freezing point of water. It helps prevent ice formation on snow-covered roads by transforming the top layer of ice into a slushy concentration, which makes it easy to shovel off the walkway.
Deicing roads with grit greatly aids in averting road accidents for many pedestrians and motorists. However, it proves to be a health risk to canines.
A now-viral Facebook post by a dog owner revealed the danger of walking dogs in gritted areas.
“Everyone while walking their dogs in the snow should just be aware that the grit used to melt the snow is also very toxic to dogs,” Facebook user Peter MaCann shared. “If they walk on it, then it can burn the skin on their paws and cause serious amounts of pain.”
He also said that he only knew about the dangers of grit on dog paws after he took his pooch outdoors to the toilet. His pet squealed from the pain of inflamed paws, prompting MaCann to carry his dog all the way indoors.
“If anyone’s heard of the salt and ice challenge, they will understand how the chemical reaction works on bare skin,” he said further. “Also, if a dog tries to lick their paw clean, this can cause poisoning due to the de-icing chemicals within the grit.”
What Animal Advocates Say
The RSPCA has released a statement warning all pet owners of the harm that grit causes to animals.
“Grit may cause pain or irritation in your pets’ paws, especially if it becomes compacted with snow,” a spokesperson said in an interview. “The salt content in grit can also make it hazardous to pets if they ingest it.”
“If ingested, it can cause vomiting and lethargy, and in severe cases, there’s also a risk of kidney damage,” the representative explained further. “Most cases involve animals that have walked through gritted snow and then lick or chew it off their paws as it can cause irritation.”
Be warned that pet-safe ice melts also present the same dangers but to a lesser degree since they are usually devoid of sodium chloride.
However, they commonly contain potassium chloride, calcium chloride, urea, and magnesium chloride, which are known to cause gastric issues, electrolyte imbalances, and increased thirst when ingested in large quantities.
Thus, dog owners should always be extra cautious when using these products around dogs even if they are considered pet-safe.
Snowy Weather Pet Care Advice
Here are 9 safety tips to observe when walking your dog outdoors during wintertime. The first 5 are based on advice from RSPCA and Dog’s Trust:
- Avoid walking your dog in gritted areas. If you reside in England or Wales, check here to know in advance which roads the local council will grit.
- Keep your pooch on a lead if snowfall is heavy to prevent him from getting lost.
- Wash the paws, legs, and tummy of your dog with warm water after a stroll in the snow to take out grit or compacted snow. Dry the washed parts completely.
- If you believe that your pet has ingested rock salt, contact a veterinarian as soon as possible. In cases of suspected poisoning, avoid the “watch and wait” option.
- Invest in some doggy boots to protect your dog’s paws. (This might take some training for your dog to get used to, so please be prepared and train your dog to wear the boots before the snow falls.)
- If your dog doesn’t like wearing booties, reduce his time outdoors. In the event that he needs to go out, lather his paws with a paw balm or wax that provides a layer of protection when he walks on ice.
- Trim the fur between your pet’s toes to prevent ice and snow from clumping on it.
- Always check his paws for any signs of irritation, lacerations, or sores. If these are present, get him checked by the veterinarian.
- Send a call to action to your city officials via call or e-mail to consider switching to pet-safe and environmentally friendly deicers.
Even though wintry conditions continue to prevail, keep your dog from trudging through iced-over lakes and ponds to avoid accidents. This is especially the case with heavier dog breeds.
If your pooch does fall through one, encourage him to swim to you instead of jumping into the water yourself. Call for emergency services right away so he gets immediate treatment.
FAQs About the Dangers of Snow-Melting Grit on Dogs
1. Can Dogs Walk on Salt Grit?
Pawrents are strongly advised to keep their dog from walking on salt grit. This type of deicer has caused injuries such as burns and irritation in several canines. Even ice melts labelled as “pet-safe” can inflict the same harm if not used properly.
2. What Are the Symptoms of Grit Poisoning in Dogs?
The notable symptoms of grit poisoning in dogs include excessive thirst, lethargy, vomiting, seizures, and convulsions.
Seek immediate veterinary care if your canine companion is exhibiting these signs. Delayed treatment may cause life-threatening complications such as severe kidney damage.
3. How Do I Protect My Dog’s Paws from Road Salt?
The best way to protect your dog’s paws from road salt is by letting him wear booties. Train him to get used to the feeling of this footwear before the wintertime starts to keep him from removing it.
If wearing booties is not an option, applying paw balm on his paws is another option. However, it does not offer the same level of protection as the booties.
We recommend cutting down the amount of time your dog spends outdoors in the snow to reduce his feet’s exposure to road salt.
4. Should I Clean Dog Paws After Walking on an Icy Road?
Always clean your dog’s paws after walking on an icy road to get rid of any grit stuck on it. Soak them in a bowl of lukewarm water for around 5 to 6 minutes, then towel dry.
Conclusion
Snow-melting grit, even the ones that are labelled as pet-safe, poses certain risks to dogs. If stepped on, it can burn or irritate their paw pads. On the other hand, ingestion carries more serious side effects like sodium poisoning and kidney damage.
Keep your beloved canine companion safe from these dangers by taking notes of the useful tips we have shared above.
Apart from snow-melting grit, freezing temperatures are another environmental hazard to watch out for during winter. Make sure that your dog stays warm and cosy this time of the year using these pointers.