Aunt Sophie is coming over, and you've salted the walk to make sure she won't slip on a patch of ice. Suddenly Fido has that look on his face: "Gotta go! Now!" So you grab the leash and head down the walk, through the slush and around the block, scooper and plastic bag in hand.

Along the way, Fido's paws probably are going to pick up a good dose of that rock salt you just threw down, along with de-icer residue from the slush on the roadways. That slush can contain chemicals, such as potassium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium carbonate, and calcium magnesium acetate — they're toxic when in a concentrated form. If Fido steps in or ingests such chemicals, skin ulcers, nausea, or vomiting can follow.

And be alert to another potential winter hazard: antifreeze. If it leaks onto the driveway, pets can lick up the sweet-tasting ethylene glycol; even a little bit can be lethal.

Here's how to keep your pet safe this winter.

1. Get him boots for his paws if he'll wear them!

2. Wash your pooch's paws with warm water immediately after a winter walk.

3. Remove all ice and snow from his feet and coat before he starts cleaning himself.

4. Use non-toxic gravel and sand on walkways. They don't taste good enough for Fido to eat, but wash his paws anyway. That way, when grooming, he won't ingest whatever he's walked through. And inspect your driveway regularly for signs of antifreeze leaks.


© 2012 Michael Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.