Why It’s Your Dog’s Worst Enemy & How We Fix It
If you’ve been out walking your pup in Montgomery County this past week, you’ve likely seen the familiar sidewalk salt coating our sidewalks and driveways. While it keeps us from slipping in 6-degree weather, that salt is a hidden danger for our four-legged neighbors.
At Zoomies Dog Care, we aren’t just watching the weather; we’re watching the pavement. Here is what you need to know about sidewalk salt and how to keep your pups safe.
The Hidden Dangers of Winter Salt
It’s not just “stinging” paws. Standard sidewalk salt poses several risks:
- Chemical Burns: Many salts are exothermic, meaning they release heat when they touch moisture (like a damp paw), causing painful burns.
- Dryness & Cracking: Salt draws moisture out of the paw pads, leading to deep, painful cracks that can become infected.
- Ingestion Risk: Dogs often lick their paws after a walk to stop the stinging. Ingesting these chemicals can lead to salt poisoning, vomiting, or worse.
Not All Salt is Created Equal
Through our research into local winter maintenance, we’ve found Montgomery County Sidewalk Salt could be any one of a mix of materials being used across the county:
- Standard Rock Salt (Sodium Chloride): Used heavily by the State and County DOT. It’s harsh on paws and the environment.
- Exothermic Salts (Calcium/Magnesium Chloride): Often used by commercial property owners in extreme cold. These are the ones that “heat up” and cause the most severe burns.
- The “Salt Wise” Initiative: Montgomery County has started a campaign to encourage pet-safe alternatives, but the transition is slow, and rock salt remains the default for most roads.
How Zoomies Protects Your Pup
When we are out on our walks, we don’t just hope for the best. We take active steps:
- Route Scouting: We avoid heavily salted commercial areas and stick to “cleaner” paths whenever possible.
- Immediate Paw Checks: We check for salt crystals trapped between toes throughout the walk.
- Post-Walk Cleanup: We ensure paws are wiped down thoroughly to remove residue before it can be licked off.
What You Can Do at Home
- Switch to Pet-Safe Alternatives: Look for products labeled “Safe Step” or use sand for traction.
- Paw Protection: Consider booties or a high-quality paw wax (like Musher’s Secret) before heading out.
- Advocate: Support the Montgomery County “Salt Wise” program and encourage your HOA or building management to switch to pet-safe de-icers for the future.
The winter isn’t over yet! If you’re worried about your dog’s paws during these freezing temps, contact Zoomies Dog Care. We’re experts at navigating the MoCo winter safely.
