The Benefits Of Ice Melt For Pets And Property

The winter is here. This is the time of year where we can expect plenty of icy sidewalks and driveways as well as slips and falls.

To prevent you, your pets, and children from injury this winter season, it’s a good idea to invest in ice melt.

How can Ice Melt Benefit you and your Pets?

Although your dog or cat may have a sufficient coat of fur to protect him or her from the cold winter weather, fur cannot fully protect your pet’s sensitive paws from the harsh winter weather. Ice and snow have the ability to dry and sting your pet’s delicate paws.

Ice melt can clear the way for your pet to have safe and comfortable travels around your property.

Ice melt prevents pet paws from drying and it will not irritate your pet’s paws.

How Does Ice Melt Work?

Ice melt products work by attracting moisture and forming liquid brine that heats and melts ice. The ice melt also breaks away the surface tension of ice. When ice melt loosens the ice, it’s easier to shovel snow, and melt ice away from sidewalks and driveways.

What Chemicals are used in Ice Melt?

  1. Calcium Chloride is included in standard ice melt. Calcium chloride can melt ice to temperatures of –25 degrees Fahrenheit. It melts ice quick but the chemical can be harmful to vegetation and corrosive to metal. Magnesium chloride is safer to use for vegetation and less corrosive to metal.
  2. Sodium Chloride is rock salt. It’s affordable and effectively dries out icy pavements.
  3. Potassium Chloride works pretty well for ice melting when mixed half and half with sodium chloride. It can melt ice to temperatures of 12 degrees Fahrenheit.
  4. Urea that is usually used as a fertilizer can also be used as an ice melter. Do not over apply near areas of vegetation.
  5. Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA) is perfect for melting ice 20 degrees Fahrenheit or above. It is safe to use on plants and concrete.

You can also use natural products of sand, sawdust, wood shavings and kitty litter on icy surfaces to create more anti-slip qualities and better walking traction.

When handling ice melt products do the following:

  • Wear gloves so the ice melt will not irritate your skin.
  • Never over apply ice melt.
  • Do not use ice melt on new concrete if it has not been fully cured.

Even with the usage of ice melt you should still take the following safety precautions for your pet:

  • Keep your pet indoors as you apply ice melt.
  • Never take your pet for long winter walks to reduce the chances of winter harmful affects. If your pet has to be outdoors for an extended period of time, your pet should wear pet boots.
  • Do not let your pet run or jump in piles of ice and snow.
  • Dry pet’s paws with a towel when he or she comes indoors to prevent ice and ice melt residue on paws.

The safest ice melts on the market are the ones that are pet friendly and biodegradable. The ice melt should also be safe to apply on concrete, asphalt, decks, floors and patios. Look for keywords such as non-hygroscopic formula and non-tracking formula as well.

Non-hygroscopic means it is not harmful to vegetation.

Non-tracking means it will not harm your carpets, footwear, deck wood or indoor flooring.

Here are a few ice melt products My Pet Store And More recommends:

Ice Melt.

Salt.

Safe Pet Ice Melter.

Here at My Pet Store and More, we educate customers on how to better care for their pets. We offer quality products with the best prices around. Friendly service with the ability to help guide customers to find exactly what they need.

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Source: http://lawncare.about.com/od/lawncarebasics/a/Ice_melt.htm
http://www.kissner.com/pet-safe-ice-melt/

This entry was posted on Friday, January 4th, 2013 at 2:17 pm. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.