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."
Some symptoms of poisoning caused by anti-freeze products include:
- Vomiting
- Seeming depressed/sleepy
- Appearing drunk and uncoordinated
- Seizures (fits)
- 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.
"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.
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.
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.
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.