Vets are warning pet owners across the UK about the dangers of grit on pavements during winter, as it can be potentially toxic to our dogs and cats. Animals who ingest grit can experience vomiting, lethargy, and in worst cases, kidney damage.

Taking to social media, one vet in Edinburgh said: "Beware dog owners! Salt and sand is being placed on streets and walkways. This can cause irritation and discomfort to dogs. In bad cases it can cause tissue dehydration and damage. Remember to wash your dog’s paws with some warm water when coming back from a walk."

facebookView full post on Facebook

Some symptoms of poisoning caused by anti-freeze products include:

  1. Vomiting
  2. Seeming depressed/sleepy
  3. Appearing drunk and uncoordinated
  4. Seizures (fits)
  5. Difficulty breathing

A spokesperson from the RSPCA told the Daily Record: "We urge pet-owners to be cautious when grit is being spread on roads, as rock salt can be toxic to dogs and cats if they lick it from their paws or fur.

Dog on snowy trailpinterest
Molly_Wolff_Photography//Getty Images

"This is because ingestion can cause a high blood sodium concentration which can cause thirst, vomiting and lethargy, and in severe cases kidney damage. The best thing to do is to thoroughly wipe your pet's feet, fur and tummy after they have been outside. If you believe your pet has ingested rock salt then contact your vet immediately."

De-icing products, such as rock salt, grit and spray contains chemicals, which can lead to burning your dog's or cat's paws.

RoyalCare Protective Dog Boots, Set of 4 Waterproof Soft Dog Shoes for Medium and Large Dogs - Black (6#)

RoyalCare Protective Dog Boots, Set of 4 Waterproof Soft Dog Shoes for Medium and Large Dogs - Black (6#)

RoyalCare Protective Dog Boots, Set of 4 Waterproof Soft Dog Shoes for Medium and Large Dogs - Black (6#)

Shop at Amazon
Credit: Amazon

Antifreeze products, such as car de-icer, can also be harmful to pets if they come into contact with it. The RSPCA say: "Signs of antifreeze poisoning can show 30 minutes after ingestion. It can be two/three days before signs of kidney failure are seen. The sooner your pet receives veterinary treatment, the better their chances of survival."

Always head to your local vet immediately so that your four-legged friends can get expert help as soon as possible.

Dog paw in a human arm.pinterest
Inna Dodor//Getty Images
Make sure to thoroughly clean you dog’s paw after a walk during the winter months.

6 safety tips for walking your dog in winter

When walking your dog during the winter months, it's important you know how to take care of your pups when the temperature plummets. The experts at Webbox have suggested some of the ways you can protect your dogs in winter.

1. Buy an extra coat — keep your pups cosy with a warm, padded jacket. "These will be most beneficial to types of dog who feel the cold more easily, such as small breeds, those with short coats and slimmer dogs with less body fat," the team at Webbox explain.

2. Keep the lead on — heavy snow can distort your dog's vision, so it's always best to keep their lead on to ensure they stay safe. "Ensure that a collar with contact details and an ID tag is fitted before the walk and that they are microchipped in case the worst happens and your pet gets lost."

3. Beware of freezing — avoid going on a walk near a lake or pond as these could have frozen over due to the ice.

4. Wear visible jackets — both dogs and their owners should wear high visibility outerwear, such as jackets or flashing leads. Light-up balls are also a great idea for when the night draws in.

Better Dealz Safety Collar for Dogs, Flashing LED Lights up the Collar, See Where Your Dog Is in the Dark! Luminous Flashing Safety Dog Collar Keeps Your Dog Visible At Night 4-way LED Glow Bright Safety Dog Collars (green)

Safety Collar for Dogs, Flashing LED Lights up the Collar, See Where Your Dog Is in the Dark! Luminous Flashing Safety Dog Collar Keeps Your Dog Visible At Night 4-way LED Glow Bright Safety Dog Collars (green)

Better Dealz Safety Collar for Dogs, Flashing LED Lights up the Collar, See Where Your Dog Is in the Dark! Luminous Flashing Safety Dog Collar Keeps Your Dog Visible At Night 4-way LED Glow Bright Safety Dog Collars (green)

Credit: Amazon

5. Be aware of snow — before heading out, trim your dog's fur around their paws to avoid any ice getting trapped. The experts suggest: "Don't allow dogs to eat snow as their body temperature could become dangerously low or there could be hidden items in the snow, such as glass, or even dangerous chemicals."

6. Spot changes in behaviour — signs of frostbite include whining, shivering, slowing down and regularly stopping. Elderly dogs should also be taken on shorter walks as arthritis can be more susceptible to the cold.

Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox.

SIGN UP

Best dog coats, boots and accessories to keep them warm in winter
Hurtta Extreme Warmer Dog Coat photo
Hurtta Extreme Warmer Dog Coat

Winter adventures call for a seriously smart coat that can withstand even the coldest days.

Hurtta's is fully waterproof and lined with a special aluminium foil liner that reflects body heat back to keep your dog seriously snug. There's also a hood that reaches to their ears, along with reflective strips for safety after dark.

BUY NOW, £59.99

K9 Active
Ruffwear dog boots photo
Ruffwear Summit Trex Dog Boots

Ice and grit can leave your dog with sore paws. These clever boots are lightweight enough not to bother them, but also provide protection from abrasive surfaces.

They keep moisture and debris out thanks to the weather-resistant ripstop upper, too.

BUY NOW, £36.95

Fetch
Self heating pet pad photo
Ancol Self-Heating Pad

Cosy up in the car, or the sofa, with this clever self-heating pad. The thermal cover reflects your dog's heat back at them, while the fleecy cover is soft and comfortable.

BUY NOW, £13.49

Jollyes
Ruff and Tumble Drying Dog Coat photo
Ruff and Tumble Drying Dog Coat

Quickly dry off your dog after a rainy walk or swim with this super soft cotton coat which absorbs water fast. Available in six sizes, from XS to XL, it's also machine washable.

BUY NOW, from £39

Fetch
Max wax paw protection photo
Pawz Max Wax

A year round essential that your pet will especially thank you for in the winter. This 100% natural wax is designed to protect against irritants on the ground, including grit and ice sticking between their toes.

Apply in the summer to defend against the fiery heat of the road and sand at the beach. Use daily for super soft, protected paws.

BUY NOW, £11.99

K9active
Canine Hardware Hydro Bowl  photo
Canine Hardware Hydro Bowl

We might be surrounded by snow and ice, but keeping your dog hydrated is as important in cold weather as when it's warm.

This collapsable bowl can hold the equivalent of five cups of water. And it's small enough to fold up and fit in your pocket.

BUY NOW, £6.76

Amazon
Ruffwear The Beacon Safety Light photo
Ruffwear The Beacon Safety Light

Dark evening walks call for an accessory that'll keep you both safe.

Ruffwear's safety light attaches to your dog's collar, so they'll be seen by passing cars and walkers. It's fully chargeable via a USB too.

BUY NOW, £26.95

Fetch
Flexible Flyer Snowball Maker For Perfect Round Balls photo
Flexible Flyer Snowball Maker

Now they're winter walk ready, it's time for a treat!

This clever gadget creates perfectly round snowballs they can chase in seconds. Much more fun than trying to find that lost tennis ball.

BUY NOW, £6.89

Flexible Flyer