Right now, there are more ice melts on the market than one could have ever imagined. There are all different types and this can result in serious confusion, especially with the claims that many of them make. Many of the newer options are blends and some of them feature additives as well. So, while the packaging may promise that the ice melt is completely safe for vegetation, you should probably take that with a grain of salt. It’s important that you educate yourself on everything you need to know about calcium ice melt so you can make the right decisions.
The Negative Aspects of Calcium Ice Melts
It’s poisonous to pets if ingested. Just think about cats and dogs who spend time outdoors and then clean their paws when they come inside. They are being exposed to a laundry list of toxic chemicals, such as calcium magnesium and carbonate, potassium and magnesium chloride. This can be lethal if a dog ingests a large quantity. In smaller quantities, a dog can be left ill. The symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and hyper-salivating. Additionally, ice melts can irritate your pet’s paws. You might think of those paw pads as thick and tough, but ice melts can crack, irritate, and even burn them. Walk them through a tray of water to finish the walk and remove any remaining debris.
Even if the package claims that the product is pet-friendly, you shouldn’t assume this to be true. The pet-friendly options are much more expensive than standard options. Yet, it’s impossible to confirm that they truly are safe. This is where the rinse tray comes in handy. You can prevent any irritation to your pet’s paws as well as prevent them from ingesting it. So, keep it near the entrance of your home and have a towel handy to dry their paws off as well. That way your pet is clean and safe, and so are your floors.
The Positive Aspects of Calcium Ice Melts
It is possible to use ice melts and protect your vegetation. The best way to do that is to only use a small amount or to use it only on paths and walkways. An ice melt isn’t intended to melt everything, so you can use it sparingly to cut through the bonded snow and ice. Excess snow can cause damage to your bushes and shrubbery, so it’s important to shovel treated areas away from your more sensitive vegetation. You may want to consider mixing your ice melt with sand for additional traction.
Calcium ice melts really do melt ice much quicker than other options so, if you’re looking for speed and efficiency then calcium ice melts are going to be the most effective option. The key is to use it safely and wisely as to ensure your pets, lawn, and other vegetation are fully protected. It’s important to protect your lawn from snow mold and frost damage so, that come spring you are ready to show off your stunning garden.