Snow Shovels and Ice Melt That Won't Wreck Your Back, Concrete or Dog's Paws

Even if you own a snow blower, you still need a good shovel for steps, walkways and the bit of driveway the machine can’t reach. And every Canadian has seen what the wrong ice melt does to a new concrete step or a dog’s paws by March.

Pick the right shovel for the job

There’s no single best shovel. Most homes do best with two.

Pusher shovels

Wide, curved blades designed to push snow rather than lift it. Fast for clearing light to moderate snow on driveways and sidewalks.

Ergonomic lifting shovels

A bent or adjustable shaft keeps your back straighter as you lift. Some have a second handle partway down the shaft for better leverage.

Sleigh shovels (scoops)

Large scoops you slide snow into and push to the bank without lifting. Excellent for big, heavy snowfalls and long driveways.

Steel ice chopper / scraper

A flat steel blade for breaking up ice ridges and packed snow on steps and the plow windrow.

Blade material: Plastic is light and doesn’t scratch decks; a steel or aluminum wear strip on the edge lasts much longer on concrete and asphalt.

Shovelling without hurting yourself

• Push when you can, lift only when you must.
• Bend your knees and keep the load close. Don’t throw snow over your shoulder or twist.
• Shovel early and often during big storms — two light passes beat one heavy one.
• Take breaks. Shovelling heavy, wet snow is hard cardio. If you have heart or back concerns, talk to your doctor before taking on big snowfalls.

Ice melt: what’s in the bag

Type	Works down to (approx.)	Notes
Rock salt (sodium chloride)	About -9°C to -10°C	Cheapest. Hard on concrete, metal, lawns and paws.
Calcium chloride	Much colder, around -25°C or below	Works fast and very cold. Can still damage concrete with heavy use.
Magnesium chloride	Around -15°C to -20°C	Generally gentler on concrete and plants than rock salt.
Blends marketed as “pet-friendly”	Varies	Often based on magnesium chloride, CMA or urea. Gentler, but “pet-friendly” isn’t a regulated term — still wipe paws.

Temperatures are typical figures; check the bag for the manufacturer’s rating.

Protecting your concrete

• New concrete (under about a year old) is most vulnerable. Many contractors recommend avoiding de-icers on it during the first winter — use sand or traction grit instead.
• Apply less than you think. You want to break the bond between ice and pavement, then shovel. More product doesn’t help.
• Shovel off slush. Melted brine sitting on concrete through repeated freeze-thaw cycles is what causes surface flaking (spalling).
• Seal your concrete in the fall to reduce water and salt absorption.

For dogs and cats

• Wipe paws with a damp cloth after walks.
• Consider dog boots or paw wax on heavily salted city sidewalks.
• Store ice melt where pets can’t get into it.

A simple winter kit

• One pusher, one ergonomic lifter
• A steel ice chopper for steps
• A spreader (handheld or walk-behind) for even application
• Traction sand or grit for new concrete and icy hills

Bottom line

Use the right shovel for the snow, push instead of lift, and treat ice melt as a precision tool rather than a carpet. Your back, your concrete and your dog will all make it to spring in better shape.

Recommendations are based on manufacturer information and verified owner reviews. Check current prices before you buy.