You think it’s just salt, for dogs and cats it’s a problem

In summer, the asphalt on the road is often a problem for animals. Their paws may not tolerate the hot surface well. But in winter, they also face danger at literally every turn. For dogs and cats, gritting salt is very dangerous. When I take my dog for a walk, I choose which way to go. But to my surprise, most of my friends had no idea that gritting the roads and paths could harm their paws.

In winter, roads and paths need to be salted. Otherwise, there is a risk of accidents and injuries. But few people know that gritted roads are dangerous for pets. When a friend recently asked me why I was dragging my dog through the snow when they finally gritted the road in front of our house, I told him that was why. He looked at me incomprehensively. Yet he himself has two cats at home that he lets out on a regular basis, much to my surprise.

What’s the danger to the pets?

When I go out in the cold and the roads aren’t gritted, I’m not happy. But I’d rather slide and walk like a penguin than worry about my dog’s health. Once the paths are gritted, I try to walk him primarily through the snow, or on paths that aren’t gritted. This is because the gritting salt is made up of coarse pieces that can severely irritate the sensitive skin on the paws of dogs and cats. In addition, the edges of the crystals are sharp and can even cut the animal.

The salt removes moisture from the skin and dries out the pads on the paws. In addition, when they cause minor injuries, various infections can very easily enter the wound from the mud and dust. Last but not least, the animal can lick the paws and get salt into the body. In the sprinkling salt there is sodium chloride (i.e. classical salt), but also calcium chloride, magnesium chloride and other chemicals that help to reduce the melting temperature of the ice.

All of these substances (including large amounts of regular salt) are dangerous to dogs and cats. They can irritate the mucous membranes and stomach and cause problems in the intestines. In addition to hurting the animal externally, sprinkling salt can also significantly harm it after consuming even small amounts.

How to protect pets in winter?

As already mentioned, it is advisable to choose paths with as little salt as possible. If this is not possible, try not to stay in a place with your dog for long. When you get home, clean his paws thoroughly. It is ideal to take the animal in the bath as well. There is no need to bathe him, but you can give his paws a good wash with warm water between the pads.

A friend asked me how to get his cats to move around in places that are not littered. He simply lets the animals out and then they come home for the night. The truth is, no animal is stupid. In my opinion, cats will avoid dangerous places on their own. However, at the very least, I advised him to check their paws for injuries when they get home, and if necessary, rinse them with warm water.