BOSTON -- Vets say road salt used to melt ice can make your pets sick, according to a new study.

Researchers said the magnesium chloride in some salts can give your dog intestinal problems if he licks it off his paws.

To prevent sickness, vets said dogs should be walked on the grass or wear booties and the dogs' paws should be rinsed off at the end of each walk.

Any sick pets that have been exposed to road salt should be taken to the vet right away.