I am looking for a de-icing product that will be safe around my dog. I am having problems with ice build up on my deck and don't want to throw down salt with the risk of Iggy eating it.

And thoughts and suggestions would be apppreciated.

Thanks in advance.

I have "heard" that this "Safe Paw (http://www.safepaw.com/)" stuff is pretty good - but I have not personally tried it.
The only thing I have ever done is use clay cat litter. - needless to say, it doesn't do a whole lot to melt the ice.

Then again, the ice around here doesn't last much more than a day or two at the most. (assuming we actually have any mind you).

I saw the Safe Paw stuff at the Bulk Barn last week....
I thought about getting it, but then saw the price..way too expensive...I figured the cats got fur and claws, I don't need to salt for them...
(besides, they don't go outside anyway :rolleyes:)

I too worry about safe ice control for the dog. I switched over to reg sand. It doesn't bother the paws although a bit messier.

It also wasn't so great for the grass in the spring but perhaps we had more snow last year than normal.

My other dog would get his paws burned by the salt and then lick the rest of the residue off when he came in. I think it's a good thing to watch out for them.

Sand is REALLY CHEAP at your reg Home depot or Lowes or anywhere.

regards,
jurn

Thanks for the tips everyone....i may try the sand and see if that helps.

We have used fertilizer 46-0-0 (I think that is the right formula or it could be 0-0-46) It is pure nitrogen (urea). It works OK when the temp isn't REAL cold. Doesn't seem to bother our girls.

Here is an article on the subject, which speaks of salt, sand, and Safe Paw

http://www.thegreenguide.com/doc/ask/ice

Here is the website for Safe Paw. Where-to-buy includes PetCo.

http://www.safepaw.com/fact_sheet.html

I have the Safe-Paw stuff. Have hardly used it so can't give a knowledgeable recommendation on it.

Some people's propensity to throw down gobs of salt is a huge downside to snow & ice around here.

There are so many dogs in the city that are walking the sidewalks, homeowners ought to be more mindful of the hazards of salt.

:neutral:

I picked up something called Safe Pet Ice Melter at Ace Hardware last week (PetSmart is 75 miles away), we used it very sparingly after scaping off what ice we could. Did the trick and Rio's paws look normal. We swept it off once the ice was gone.

I was out in my workshop last night looking for something when i found the bag of Alaskan Icemelter i bought last winter and totaly forgot i had ...I will save that for the drive way. I found something called Natural Icemelter at my local Home Hardware that is fertilizer based ans is said to be pet friendly....so far it seems to be working.