Q: Why do dogs hop on salt? Does it sting their paws?

S. C., New York, N.Y.

A:Salt really can sting your dogs' paws. Also, the snow and ice sometimes gets imbedded inside paws. That's got to be uncomfortable. Margaret Bonham, who is a dog sledder living in the mountains outside Denver, Colo., and author of "Dog Grooming for Dummies'' (Wiley Publishing; $19.99), says many sled dogs wear booties. Other options to prevent the ice balls and deter street salt from sticking to the pads are to spray unflavored no-stick cooking spray on your dog's paws or use a product called Musher's Secret (available online and at many pet stores). Wipe the dog's paws with a towel before coming indoors to protect your carpet, and also to remove any remaining street salt residue.

For your own property, you can use pet-safe salt, which doesn't seem to sting.