How to Protect Your Pet’s Paws from Salt, Ice, and De-icing Chemicals

When the first frost arrives and roads and sidewalks become covered with a thin layer of ice, city services apply de-icing agents, sand, and salt. These materials reduce the risk of slipping and help prevent injuries for people — but for animals, they can be harmful:

• Sand and salt scratch the delicate paw pads, accumulate between them, and cause irritation, microcracks, ulcers, and sometimes deep wounds.
• Salts (such as calcium chloride and sodium chloride), commonly found in de-icing products, can trigger skin inflammation and, with prolonged contact, even chemical burns. When ingested as pets lick their paws, these substances can also cause poisoning.
• De-icing chemicals irritate the respiratory system of dogs and cats and may provoke allergic reactions.

Even minor paw damage is painful enough to make a pet refuse to go outside. In this article, you’ll learn which protective products and pet clothing can help keep your pet’s paws safe and healthy.

Which Creams, Waxes, and Footwear Actually Work

To prevent harmful road treatments from damaging your pet’s paws, we recommend using specialized protective products. Here are the most effective options:

1. Paw Wax. Available in pet stores, usually containing nourishing oils and plant extracts that support healing. Applying it to the paw pads a couple of times per week creates a protective layer that shields against chemicals and helps prevent slipping on ice.
2. Balms or creams. These must contain paraffin, petroleum jelly, or wax. Apply them to your pet’s paw pads before every walk.
3. Protective footwear. This is the most reliable option, fully preventing contact with harmful surfaces. Ideal dog (or cat) boots should have secure fastenings (Velcro or straps), a durable rubber sole, no unnecessary decorations, and a reinforced front to prevent claws from piercing the material. The best models are made from nylon, suede, leather, or neoprene.

If possible, choose walking areas that show no signs of chemical treatment. Always wash your pet’s paws thoroughly after each walk.

Signs of Chemical Burns from De-icing Agents

Monitor your pet's behavior closely. If a dog or cat suffers burns from contact with de-icing chemicals, you may notice:

• Limping
• Difficulty jumping onto furniture
• Frequent licking or chewing of the lower part of the paw
• Redness and swelling of the paw pads
• Blisters or open sores

To determine the exact cause of the problem, visit our veterinarians in Kyiv or the Kyiv region. During an appointment at Animal Clinic, the specialist will examine the affected limb, perform an X-ray if necessary to rule out injury or a foreign object, and provide recommendations to restore your pet’s comfort and health.