Is rock salt safe for dogs?

In the wintertime pet owners often ask themselves; Is rock salt safe for dogs? Rock salt is a crystalline form of sodium chloride that you often use to keep ice from forming on the roads in winter. You can also use it for other things, such as deicing sidewalks and walkways. But what about your dog? Some people worry if rock salt is safe or not for their dogs to eat. We’re here to answer this question so you can be sure.

Is rock salt safe for dogs?

Rock salt is typically not safe for dogs because it can cause stomach upset, dehydration, and even a coma.

It’s always best to keep your dog away from rock salt. Even if it doesn’t cause any problems for them, the taste of this salty mixture would not be desirable and could lead to overconsumption.

The sodium in rock salt can make dogs sick. This is because they don’t need as much of it in their diet as humans do. A teaspoon is enough for an adult human but only half that for a medium-sized dog. And while stomach upset will usually happen before anything more serious happens (like dehydration or coma), when you have something that might prove harmful to animals around the house, why take chances? There are many safer de-icing alternatives out there.

Why is salt bad for dogs?

Sodium chloride is a necessary nutrient for humans but can be bad for dogs. The reason is that there are some differences between how much we need and how much they do.

If you feed your dog any more than the recommended amount of salt per day, it could lead to vomiting or diarrhea. And if too much salt enters the bloodstream at one time, then kidney failure may occur because these organs don’t filter as well when excess amounts of minerals enter their systems.

Rock salts’ crystals make them especially dangerous. They can easily lodge themselves in a pup’s throat and be aspirated back into the lungs.

Ways you can use rock salt around your house without worrying about your dog.

You can use rock salt safely by keeping your dog away from it. But if you’re set on using this type of product for deicing purposes around the house, then there are some ways to do so without worry.

One way is to make sure that you spread a thick layer over as much area as possible. The thicker and more extensive coverage, the less likely your pup will get close enough to put his nose or paws in any troublesome areas.

Another option is applying rock salt at night when most dogs are indoors sleeping anyways. All they’ll smell is fresh winter air rather than what’s been tracked inside by their curious feet all day long. Plus, with fewer hours out in these conditions during daylight time, he may not have an opportunity to come into contact with it.

A third option is to make sure that you wash the pavement down when done deicing. This will see to it that your dog doesn’t come in contact with any residual salt.

What’s the best alternative to rocking salt if I have a dog?

The safest and most humane alternative to rock salt is calcium chloride. This product is just as effective but will not cause stomach upset or dehydration in your dog.

The next best thing is sand, which may be more challenging to clean up after. It can prove a bit messy for you if you’re using it outside on the sidewalk. 

Our Pellets of Fire- Calcium Chloride ice melt is one of the best on the market. Contact us to learn more about this product.