Boston, MA – As the first winter snows move into Massachusetts, veterinarians are warning pet owners to take precautions when walking their dogs on city streets and sidewalks. While most people focus on keeping pets warm, the greater risk may be what’s under their paws: road salt and chemical de-icers that can burn paw pads and cause serious illness if ingested.
Common ice-melt products, including sodium chloride, calcium chloride, and magnesium chloride, can irritate a dog’s paws and dry out the skin. The coarse texture of road salt can create small cuts or cracks, which become painful and prone to infection. When pets lick their paws to soothe the irritation, they may ingest toxic residues.
Veterinary data show that salt toxicity can cause vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, and lethargy. In more severe cases, it can lead to seizures, dehydration, or kidney failure. Repeated exposure can result in lasting damage to paw pads and internal organs. Some de-icing compounds also contain heavy metals or industrial byproducts, which increase the risk of poisoning.
To reduce harm, veterinarians recommend rinsing a dog’s paws with warm water after every walk and drying them completely. Applying paw balm or protective wax before heading outdoors can prevent irritation, and trimming fur between toes helps keep salt and slush from accumulating. Pet owners are also encouraged to use pet-safe, chloride-free ice melts at home and to avoid heavily treated areas when possible.
With freezing temperatures and snow treatments expected through the weekend, pet safety groups across Massachusetts are reminding owners to watch for signs of limping, licking, or reluctance to walk. Even brief exposure to salted sidewalks can cause discomfort, particularly for smaller or short-haired breeds.
As Boston and nearby cities prepare for another stretch of snow and cold, experts emphasize that the biggest threat to pets this winter isn’t always the temperature—but the toxic materials spread to combat it.
