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Caution

Ice melt and rock salt: what to do for your dog

Caution. Rock salt and ice melts can irritate paws and cause vomiting and diarrhea; eating a lot can cause tremors and seizures.

If your dog ate or touched this, call your vet or a pet poison line now

United States

Poison lines in other countries: United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, France, JM, PR, Singapore, Switzerland, TT, VI

United Kingdom

Canada

Australia

New Zealand

Belgium

France

JM

PR

Singapore

Switzerland

TT

VI

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Ice melt and rock salt and dogs: key facts

Verdict
Caution · Call your vet or a poison line
What it can do
Vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, mouth sores and red, cracked or bleeding paw pads. All 6
What to do now
Call your vet or a pet poison line now. All steps
Sources
ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline. Reviewed 9 October 2026.

What to do now

  1. Call your vet or a pet poison line now.
  2. Wipe your dog's paws with a damp cloth as soon as you come inside.
  3. Keep your dog from licking its paws until they are clean.

Don't

  • Don't let your dog eat salt or treated snow and slush.
  • Don't leave ice melt bags where your dog can reach them.

Symptoms to watch for

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Dehydration
  • Mouth sores
  • Red, cracked or bleeding paw pads
  • Tremors or seizures (large amounts)

Why

Most ice melts contain sodium, potassium, calcium or magnesium chloride salts. Products sold as pet-friendly are safer but can still upset the stomach.

Sources

Guide reviewed 9 October 2026. Page updated 7 November 2026.

General information from the sources above, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, call your vet.

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