01/22/2026
Once snow hits the ground, it’s common to want to break out the salt or ice melt to keep your sidewalks/driveway safe during winter. While doing this can help prevent slips and falls, ice melts can be dangerous for dogs. During the colder months, emergency hospitals usually see an increase in cases of dog paw salt burns and toxicity.
In this article we'll go over why ice melt and salt are dangerous for dogs, the symptoms to watch out for, and from using pet-safe de-icers and more — what to do to protect your pup from these hidden winter hazards.
*Why ice melt products and salt are dangerous for pets
While ice melts may appear to be keeping your sidewalks safe, they’re also filled with chemicals that can hurt your dog’s paws and even cause internal toxicity if swallowed. The chemicals in ice salt typically include sodium chloride (rock salt), calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, potassium chloride, and urea-based products.
Walking on ice salts can dry out and crack your pup’s paw pads, leading to painful irritation or chemical burns. If your dog (or outdoor cat) licks their paws after a winter walk outside, they could also be ingesting some of these chemicals. Even having small amounts can cause drooling, vomiting, or tremors in your pet.
Did You Know? According to the Pet Poison Helpline, reports of salt toxicity in pets spike after major snowstorms each year.
Ice melt and salt can pose a serious threat to dogs and other pets. If you spot any signs of ice melt poisoning, please call your vet or emergency hospital.
Below are some common signs that your dog may have been exposed to ice melts or salt, whether it’s from skin contact or ingestion.
*Symptoms of contact (paws & skin)
Red, cracked, or irritated paw pads
May indicate chemical burns or dryness from salt exposure.
Limping or reluctance to walk
Often a sign of pain or discomfort on the paw pads.
Excessive paw licking
Your dog may be trying to soothe irritation or remove the residue.
*Signs of ingestion (from paw licking or eating salt directly)
Drooling
A common early reaction to salt ingestion or oral irritation.
Vomiting or diarrhea
This can cause upset in the gastrointestinal tract
Weakness, tremors, or seizures in severe cases
Signs of salt toxicity that require urgent veterinary care.
Even mild symptoms can worsen quickly, especially in small pets. If you notice any of these signs, rinse your pet’s paws right away and call an animal emergency hospital for guidance.
*What to do if your pet ate salt or ice melt products
If your pet walks on ice melt or you think they’ve licked salt, here are some steps you can take:
Rinse paws immediately with warm (not hot) water and pat them dry or use baby wipes to wipe their paws.
Prevent licking by keeping your pet distracted or use an e-collar if you have it.
Watch closely for signs like drooling, vomiting, or changes in behavior.
Call your vet or emergency hospital for pets immediately if you suspect/observe ingestion or if other symptoms appear.
Never induce vomiting unless directed to do so by a vet.
