Now that we're in the third of three big icy snow storms in Colorado, (and are beginning to hear rumors of the fourth one coming next weekend), I've finally learned how to wisely use Kitty Litter on icy sidewalks, and under ice-clad car tires. .
I was always taught, as a kid, to just walk in the
SNOW to avoid slippery ice, thus preventing dangerous falls. But, where there is ice, both regular and 'black' ... Kitty Litter (or sand) seem to be two safe ways to spread a little gripping power. And, the Kitty Litter, not only smells GREAT, but is totally environmentally safe.
Now, I keep a big bag of the fragrant stuff in my car, and one at my house, in case I run into dangerous, icy conditions.
Commercial Ice melt products can be very dangerous.
For instance:
Many people are not aware that salts used to melt snow and ice can be toxic if licked off and can irritate (burn) the paws of animals. If your pet comes in contact with de-icing salts, wipe their paws off as soon as possible.
General Toxic Chemical Treatment and Prevention:
Remove the poison.
Identify the poison.
Call Vet or Emergency Vet and ask if inducing vomiting is indicated.
Use Hydrogen Peroxide to induce vomiting: 1 tablespoon per 5 pounds. If you aren't sure you can do this with out getting bitten, TAKE THE ANIMAL TO THE VET.
Topical Poisons:
In addition to dangers of ingesting toxins, anything not intended for topical use that gets on your pet's coat can pose a risk. This includes gasoline, tar, motor oil,
ice melting chemicals, lawn chemicals, and others.
Ice Melt can also be very damaging to outdoor plants and grass. Read on about how it kills the root systems of grass/ turf. And, avoid putting too much on sidewalks, especially new concrete, under a year old. If it eats concrete, delicate tootsies, and rootsies .. don't stand much of a chance!
These, and many other environmental articles state that the only truly safe products for de-icing (home use) are Kitty Litter and Sand.
In this informative Cargill website, there's lots of sound information. It's about pets, it's about your lawn, it's about your carpeting and floors, and it's all about a pretty bad (and potentially harmful) method of melting a little ice.
http://www.cargillsalt.com/dc_salt_about_faqs_deicing.htmComments by leading environmental experts:
http://www.madsci.org/posts/archives/nov98/910675052.Ch.r.htmlJust ask the biblical Lot's wife what she thinks about salt, and then ... please, think GREEN!
A father was reading Bible stories to his young son. He read, "The man named Lot was warned to take his wife and flee out of the city, but his wife looked back and was turned, forever, into a pillar of salt." "What happened to the flea?" the boy asked.