We’re pretty temperate in North Carolina for the most part. The service areas for Carolina Wash Pros are primarily the Greensboro, NC, and Piedmont Triad area and the Wilmington, NC, area, and we may only see one or two snow or ice events each year. One of the downsides to not being exposed to something too frequently, is we often don’t know how to deal with that thing since it’s so rare.
For example, how do we safely drive when there’s 1/32nd of snow on the ground? People in NC do not know. But more seriously, how can we protect our pets (primarily dogs and cats) from the chemicals found in de-icer products?
Ice melt, or salt, that is commonly used to clear ice from sidewalks and other icy surfaces can be harmful to pets. The main ingredient in most ice melt products is either sodium chloride or calcium chloride. Both sodium and calcium chloride can irritate a dog’s paws or be harmful to the animal if ingested.
A dog’s paws should be cleaned after walking outside on snowy days. Even if you don’t see the ice melt, it may still be on surfaces. A dog that licks its feet after coming inside could experience vomiting or diarrhea. To keep your dog from ice melt products, keep him/her from eating snow or drinking from puddles. When using ice-melting products around your pet, consider using non-toxic brands, such as Safe Paws or Morton Safe-T-Pet. These products do not contain salt or chloride.Another alternative for pet owners are dog socks or boots. Simply put the socks or boots on your dog’s paws before going out. The dog’s paws will be protected from any salt that is on the sidewalks. Most dog socks and boots can be machine-washed after use.
Most people will have to use some sort of ice-melting product this winter. As a pet owner, it is not difficult to protect your animals. Use a non-toxic ice melt product, clean your dogs paws or use dog socks or boots this winter. And, of course, after the winter season is over, Carolina Wash Pros can come by and give you your property a good rinse down and get it pet safe and sparkling clean for Spring. Click below for a free estimate!
