On a cold evening or early morning, you may often find roads and paths sprinkled with grit if the Met Office has predicted ice or snow during winter.
Grit, which is formed from rock salt can be a lifesaver for many pedestrians and motorists to prevent any slips or skids when on foot or driving a vehicle.
But if you have a dog or a cat, you might wonder if grit is pet-friendly and if it could harm them once digested.
Although grit is crucial to humans during the colder months of the year, it could prove “perilous” for our pets, PetSafe warns.
If you live in England and Wales, you can find out which roads will be gritted by your local council here.
What does grit do to dogs and cats?
Pet expert Rob Steele explained: “We’d like to remind pet-owners of the dangers associated with rock salt used on the roads as the temperature and snow falls, and we’re urging them to be cautious.
“The rock salt, or grit, used to melt snow is very toxic to dogs - and cats. Those tiny granules can really irritate the skin on their paws – especially if they’re dry and cracked - and the chemicals that grit contains can also burn them.
How to drive safely in snow and ice
“After being outdoors, dogs and cats will be inclined to lick or chew it off their paws and fur, which brings with it many health risks. As does drinking puddles of melted snow that contains it.
“Ingestion of rock salt can result in a high blood sodium concentration, which leads to vomiting, lethargy, convulsions and kidney damage."
Recommended reading:
- Can you walk dogs in the snow? 8 ways to keep your pet safe on winter walks
- 3 reasons your dog loves to roll in the mud when outdoors (one is adorable)
Rob added: "So, make sure you thoroughly wipe their feet and clean any exposed fur on their legs or stomach as soon as you get home.
“It’s best to minimise contact in the first place, so we recommend that owners avoid walking their dogs in areas that have been gritted.
“If you’re concerned that your pet may have ingested rock salt, contact your vet immediately and follow their advice.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here