WISCONSIN— Winter in Wisconsin translates to lots and lots of salt on the sidewalks.

As the temperatures in Wisconsin continue to drop, it's important to keep our four-legged friends safe.  

Angela Speed, the vice president of communications of Wisconsin Humane Society says salty paws aren't good for our pets.

"Ingestion of the salt can be really dangerous, either by licking off their paws and cleaning their paws, or just getting into it because dogs get into everything. The chemicals in the salt like sodium chloride, magnesium chloride can cause stomach issues and in extreme cases can be fatal," says Speed.

She advises wiping off your pet's paws with a damp cloth after returning from a walk on a salty terrain. 

Dog owners can also have their pup walk through water to remove some salt. Cat owners may want to consider placing litter at the back door, which will also help soak up some salt. 

The Humane Society also points out that there are salt alternatives available at local stores that will also help treat slick sidewalks. If you're responsible for your own area, it could be something to look into.

"We are just recommending to keep your dogs inside. Only let them outside long enough to take a potty break and bring them back in when temperatures are this low," says Speed. "Frostbite and hypothermia can set in quickly... especially older dogs or dogs with medical conditions."