Here in Ohio we don't have quite as much snow as Wisconsin, but we definitely are icy and snowy in winter.
I discovered this product after Bentley had a bad salt experience The salt on his paws really made him yelp!
http://www.safepaw.com/ I found Safe Paw, which is safe for kids and pets. I still don't like the idea of them walking in a chemical and then licking it off, so I rinse their feet if they've walked in an area where I've used the ice melter.