Atlanta, GA – As the first frost and early-morning ice arrive across Georgia this weekend, veterinarians are warning pet owners to take extra care when walking their dogs on sidewalks and driveways. Even though the state doesn’t see heavy snow, road salt and de-icing chemicals used during cold snaps can still burn paws, irritate skin, and cause toxic reactions when pets lick or ingest them.
Many ice-melt products contain sodium chloride, calcium chloride, or magnesium chloride, the same compounds used in northern states. While they’re effective at melting ice, they can dry out and crack paw pads after only brief contact. When dogs lick their paws, they risk swallowing the salt—potentially leading to vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, or lethargy. Severe cases of salt poisoning can cause seizures or kidney failure if untreated.
Veterinarians caution that some road salts and driveway treatments also contain heavy metals or industrial contaminants, increasing the danger. Pets in the South may be more at risk because their paws aren’t conditioned for frequent exposure to de-icers.
Experts recommend rinsing a dog’s paws with warm water after every walk and drying them thoroughly to remove salt residue. Applying a paw balm or protective wax before heading outdoors can help prevent irritation, while trimming fur between the toes reduces buildup of frost and salt. Booties can provide extra protection, especially on heavily salted sidewalks. Homeowners are urged to switch to pet-safe, chloride-free ice melt products for their own walkways and driveways.
With overnight lows expected in the 20s and 30s across much of Georgia through early next week, frost and icy patches could form before sunrise. Veterinarians advise watching for limping, licking, or reluctance to walk—signs that a pet’s paws may be irritated or burned.
As the first frost of the season spreads across Georgia, experts remind owners that the biggest cold-weather danger to pets isn’t always the chill—it’s the chemical residue left behind on the ground.
