Is your ice melter safe around your pets?
- why are pet retailers chosing GroundWorks Natural Icemelter?

Potassium-based ice melters, like XYNYTH Manufacturing Corp’s Groundwork Natural Icemelter, are generally better for pets than traditional rock salt (sodium chloride) because they are less irritating, less toxic, and gentler on paws—though they still need to be used properly. Here’s why:

1. Gentler On Paws and Skin:

• Less drying and burning:Sodium chloride pulls moisture from skin, which can cause cracking, redness, and pain on paw pads. Potassium salts are less dehydrating.
• Lower crystal sharpness:Many potassium-based products have rounder, smoother granules, reducing cuts between paw pads.
• Does not burn the paws: Calcium chloride is very caustic and will actually burn skin, causing pets quite of bit of pain if it gets onto their paws. Potassium is not caustic.

2. Lower Toxicity Risk If Ingested:

• Dogs often lick their paws after walks.
• Sodium chloride ingestioncan lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, sodium poisoning.
• Potassium-based melters, when ingested in small amounts, are less likely to cause severe poisoning(though large amounts are still dangerous). Potassium is added to pet foods, as a way to ensure a healthy diet.

3. Reduced Irritation To Nose And Eyes:

• Dust from sodium chloride can irritate pets’eyes, noses, and throats.
• Potassium-based products tend to produce less airborne dust.

4. Works at lower temperatures (less product needed):

• Potassium works effectively at lower temperaturesthan rock salt.
• Using less product means lless residue on pawsl and less chance of ingestion.

5. Safer on Environment:

• Potassium ice melters are much safer on the environment than urea based ice melters. Some pet safe ice melters are urea based, which breaks down to ammonia in the environment and is quite toxic to aquatic life.

6. Important safety notes:

• Important to know that large ingestions can cause electrolyte imbalances.
• Pets with kidney or heart conditions are more sensitive to potassium exposure.
• It is always suggested to wipe paws after walks and store melters securely.

Bottom line:

Potassium-based ice melters, like Groundwork Natural, are better for pets because they are less irritating to paws, less toxic if licked, and require less material to be effective, making them a safer alternative to traditional rock salt or calcium chloride.

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