Sacramento, CA – As overnight frost and freezing temperatures settle across much of California, veterinarians are reminding pet owners to stay alert for an often-overlooked winter danger: road salt and de-icing products. Even though snow is limited to higher elevations, the chemical salts used on roads, driveways, and sidewalks can burn paw pads, irritate skin, and cause toxic reactions when pets lick or ingest them.
Common de-icers contain sodium chloride, calcium chloride, or magnesium chloride, which help melt frost and ice but can dry and crack paw pads after minimal contact. When dogs lick their paws afterward, they can swallow these chemicals, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, or lethargy. In severe cases, veterinarians warn, salt ingestion can cause seizures or kidney failure.
Experts note that even in areas without heavy snowfall—such as the Central Valley, Bay Area, and foothill communities—road treatments and driveway de-icers are increasingly common during cold mornings. Some of these products also contain industrial additives or heavy metals, which heighten toxicity with repeated exposure.
To protect pets, veterinarians recommend rinsing paws with warm water after walks and drying them thoroughly. Applying a protective paw balm or wax before heading outdoors can create a barrier, and trimming fur between toes prevents buildup. Booties are another option for dogs that tolerate them. Homeowners should choose chloride-free, pet-safe ice melts to reduce risk.
With temperatures dipping near freezing across the Sacramento Valley and frost warnings posted through early next week, veterinarians urge owners to keep outdoor walks brief and monitor for paw irritation or excessive licking.
As California experiences its first frost of the season, experts emphasize that the biggest cold-weather risk for pets isn’t always the chill—but the chemicals used to keep ice at bay.
