Can dogs and cats eat De-icing salt and grit?
DogOnly with care
CatOnly with care
Road and pavement salt can irritate paws and, if licked off or eaten, cause stomach upset. Eating large amounts can cause salt poisoning.
Why
Sodium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride
Signs to watch for
- sore, red or cracked paws
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- excessive thirst
- wobbliness or seizures (large amounts)
Good to know
Wipe paws with lukewarm water after winter walks. Slovak town pavements are heavily salted in winter. Puddles may also contain antifreeze.
Sources
Sources
- Pet Poison Helpline – My dog ate rock salt
- PDSA – How do I keep my pet safe from de-icing products?
- ASPCA – Is It Safe to Use De-Icers Around Your Dog?
Checked against these sources in October 2026.