Ice Melts Toxicity in Dogs

In most ice melts, the main chemical is chloride. This chemical should never be ingested and if you suspect your dog has ingested ice melts you should contact your veterinarian immediately for an emergency visit. Even if your dog walks on ice melts and then licks their paws, they can ingest a large enough amount of the chemical to cause illness including kidney failure or even death.

In winter it is common to see ice melts tossed on icy sidewalks and driveways. Many people use them without realizing the harm that can be caused to their dogs. Not only can exposure to ice melt cause skin irritation or chemical burns on your dog’s feet, but if ingested can cause your dog to become very sick.

You may not think about ice melts toxicity if your dog begins showing symptoms of illness. However, if these symptoms occur in the winter after your dog has been outside, it should not be overlooked. You should seek veterinary assistance immediately if your dog begins showing any of these symptoms. Ingesting more than 4 milligrams of sodium per kilogram of body weight can be deadly to your dog.

• Nausea or vomiting
• Increased urination
• Quick drop in blood pressure
• Seizures
• Tremors
• Muscle weakness
• Excessive salivation
• Excessive thirst

Ice melts toxicity mostly occurs when your dog walks where ice melts have been applied and then they lick their paws. However, you should never leave a package of ice melts where your dog can easily get into them. Ingestion of ice melts can be fatal. 

The main component for most ice melts is chloride such as potassium chloride, sodium chloride and magnesium chloride. This chemical can cause skin irritation, but more importantly can cause severe gastrointestinal upset, kidney failure and even death.

If you suspect your dog has ingested ice melts, then you need to seek veterinary assistance immediately. Time is important to minimize the effects of the chemicals in the ice melts. When you go to your veterinary clinic, bring a list of ingredients in the ice melts, if available. 

Your veterinarian will perform a physical examination and ask you questions regarding your dog’s daily routine, diet and what he may have eaten to make him sick. A complete blood count, urinalysis and biochemistry panel will probably be performed. Kidney function will also be checked and closely monitored. Ingesting chloride can cause your dog to go into kidney failure.

Many times, your veterinarian will be able to determine ice melts toxicity from the symptoms and the current weather. Most ice melts toxicity occurs following winter weather that requires the ice melts to be thrown down on sidewalks and driveways.

Once your veterinarian has verified that your dog is suffering from ice melts toxicity they will discuss treatment plans with you. If your dog’s symptoms are severe, then your veterinarian will probably recommend hospitalization so supportive care can begin immediately. 

Supportive Care

Supportive care can be done at home; however, if your dog is severely ill, supportive care should be done at the veterinary clinic so the staff can closely monitor any changes. Supportive care for ice melts toxicity can include intravenous fluids, nutritional support, anti-seizure, anti-nausea and anti-diarrhea medications.

Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal may be useful if the toxins are still in your dog’s stomach. The activated charcoal will absorb any toxins and safely flush them from your dog’s body before they can be absorbed into the bloodstream.

Medications

Your dog may require medications such as anticonvulsants to keep him from experiencing seizures long term. Topical ointments can be applied if your dog is also experiencing skin irritation from exposure to ice melts. If your dog is prescribed medications, be sure to follow instructions carefully to avoid over or under dosing.

Be sure to provide plenty of fresh, clean water for your dog while they are recovering from ice melts toxicity. Your dog will need to rest and recuperate following ice melts toxicity. If the toxicity level is high enough and immediate veterinary care was not sought, your dog may suffer from long-term effects such as kidney damage.

Protect your dog during the winter by providing water prior to them going for a walk or out to play. Discourage him from licking the ground or his paws. When he comes in from a walk, wash his feet to remove any of the chemicals.

Store any ice melts out of your dog’s reach. Do not give him easy access to areas where ice melts are stored. Also, do not allow him to play unsupervised in areas where ice melts have been put down.