Some winter advice as roads and pavements get de-iced. Salt Grit can be dangerous to your pets if they accidentally ingest it, for example when licking between their paws. It can cause dehydration, liver problems, and pancreatitis – possibly leading to death if a pet consumes enough of it.
Antifreeze contains a deadly chemical called ethylene glycol, and also easily be fatal if swallowed by pets.
In order to keep your pets safe, experts offer the following suggestions:
* Walking – Some pet owners in suburban and rural environments prefer to let their animals out on their own. This is probably not a good idea if you know there is fresh salt on the roads. The salt can become lodged in the paws of your animals then ingested when they groom themselves. Experts suggest you walk your animals so that you can monitor their grooming.
* Cleaning – After you complete your walk, be sure to immediately clean the paws of your pets. Some warm water and a soft brush should take care of it. You might also want to leave your shoes in an area where the pets cannot get near them. This prevents them from licking the salt off the shoes when you are not around.
* Antifreeze – If you do use antifreeze to clean your vehicle’s windscreen, make sure you clean up any spills on the ground. Antifreeze is somewhat sweet, so it can be tempting to animals that might walk through the area.
* Gritting – If you grit around your own property, go as easy on the salt as you can. You really do not need to use the large amounts of grit you normally see caked on pavements and driveways. Moreover, the less you can use the fewer problems you create for your own pets and other neighbourhood animals.
Should you notice one of your pets acting strangely after coming in from winter weather, do not hesitate to get the animal to the vet as quickly as possible. One of the early signs of salt ingestion is excessive salivation after your dog or cat has groomed itself. Other signs include lethargy, excessive drinking and strange noises that indicate the animal might be in pain.
Salt on pavements in Scotland is generally used in small quantities, now more than ever with cutbacks, so generally the risk is lessened, but it’s worth keeping the above in mind. With a little bit of caution you can keep your pets safe.
