The best solution I have ever encountered was as brilliant as it was expensive: electric heaters under the sidewalk. On West 43rd Street. No matter the weather, there was never snow, ice, slush or anything worse than water on the concrete. I just walked by it, so know nothing about the installation or cost.

the question is: what is it?

A good super and a broom :-)

http://www.safepaw.com/

I am a reident manager, on day like today get your hose out and wash your side walk.Calcium chloride is a better alternative then rock salt.

Here's something that may help. It ran as part of Habitatmag.com's "Friday New Produsts" --

EnvironMelt Green De-Icer

http://habitatmag.com/publication_content/previous_new_products/environmelt_green_de_icer

In addition to the usual coat or raincoat for the dog, what about boots. They don't like it, but there are such things. As AR suggests, sweeping the sidewalks and ensuring that the salt is not dumped by the trees and shrubs. It will also damage their roots.

AdC

With all due respect, AdC.... ever try to fit a boot onto a small dog? Let alone FOUR of them? And try to keep them on their feet?

The salt being used by most buildings/supers is awful. Bad for the environment, bad for dogs, bad for trees/plants.... and most supers use way, way too much of it at the first sign of snow so they won't have to shovel anything.

right on man. it is so they dont have to shovel. that is the truth. plain and simple. it is terrible stuff - that salt.

While you may take these preventative steps to ensure that harmful chemicals are not used, your neighbors may not.

Each pet owner has to decide for themselves how much trouble they are willing to go through for their pet based on their own level of concern and love for their pet. I believe AdC is only adding a layer of protection for your pets safety, and I concur. If you decide to have a pet in the city you should be aware of the added menaces, perils and responsibilities that come with it… So if it means booties on the pup to help him & maintain his health, then why not?

And yes, supers do throw unnecessary salt to ease their workload; it is somewhat justifiable in heavier weather where the salt will be quickly dissolved. Although they should be using a greener alternative, the fact is that it is more expensive and many buildings would not approve of the super purchasing a $25 bag of the alternative (calcium chloride, etc..) over the $8 per bag of rock salt. My supers also keep sand on hand for lighter snow or ice days; afterwards it is swept up.

~AR