Why is this dangerous?
Ice melt is mostly sodium chloride or calcium chloride. It is caustic to paw pads and, because pets groom their feet, a meaningful amount ends up swallowed — leading to hypernatraemia (salt poisoning): brain cells shrink and neurological signs follow.
Calcium chloride is also exothermic — it releases heat on contact with moisture, so it can cause chemical burns even without prolonged contact.
Why speed matters
Delaying care significantly worsens outcomes. Some signs appear hours or days later, so "looks fine right now" is not a reason to wait.
Signs to watch for
- Burned, cracked or bleeding paw pads, limping
- Drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea
- Extreme thirst and urination
- Wobbliness, disorientation, head pressing
- Tremors, seizures, coma in severe salt poisoning
What to do right now
- Rinse the paws with warm water as soon as you get home, and dry them — do not let the pet lick them first.
- Call your vet if the pet is wobbly, vomiting or very thirsty; salt poisoning needs controlled rehydration, not free access to water.
- Do not let the pet drink large amounts quickly — that can worsen brain swelling.
- Use pet-safe ice melt and booties on winter walks.
If your pet shows any of the signs above, go to the nearest emergency vet now and call ahead.
The step-by-step response, from the first minute to the vet visit, is in our De-Icing Salt & Ice Melt emergency guide.