22/01/2026
‼️DANGERS OF ROAD SALT‼️
• Paw irritation: The salt is corrosive and can cause dryness, cracked pads, and painful irritation in a dog’s paws.
• Ingestion and toxicity: When dogs lick their paws to clean them, they ingest the salt. This can lead to gastrointestinal upset, excessive thirst, and, in severe cases, salt toxicity which can cause tremors, seizures, or even death.
• Dehydration: Road salt is a desiccant, meaning it draws moisture from the skin and paws, which can lead to dehydration.
• Worsening injuries: Once a paw is cracked, it’s more painful and vulnerable to further injury from salt, gravel, and ice, potentially leading to infections or pododermatitis.
‼️HOW TO PROTECT YOUR DOG‼️
• Wipe and wash paws: After walks, thoroughly wipe and rinse your dog’s paws to remove any salt and chemicals. If they are showing signs of discomfort, consider applying a paw balm or antibiotic ointment after cleaning, but see a vet if you are unsure what to do.
• Use pet-safe alternatives: Use pet-friendly de-icers instead of traditional road salt.
• Limit exposure: On walks, try to steer your dog away from heavily salted areas or choose different routes altogether.
• Keep nails trimmed and paws trimmed: This can prevent salt and other irritants from getting trapped between the paw pads.
• Seek vet care immediately: If your dog shows severe symptoms like seizures, collapse, or extreme pain, get them to an emergency vet clinic right away.
