Cat litter...

I use stuff called SafePaw that's safe for pets and for the environment too. I get mine at PetSmart but someone said they have it at Walmart too.

Salt. It's the best (and cleanest) way to prevent slippage and my dog has never once tried to eat it. I'm talking about the salt they use on the roads. Not table salt.

I use Safe step ice melter. Its safe for pets and the environment. But I still check my dogs paws when they walk on it to make sure it doesn't get stuck between the pads of their feet even though it says its safe for them.

We always take Logan out the back and he never goes on the front steps that we salt, so we use regular ice melt. Of course, whenever we get back from a walk I check his paws for salt from other people's sidewalks and ice, and he gets paw balm rubbed in them so they don't crack! =)

We use regular snow melting salt. We take Chloe out back for fresh air and potty breaks. So that she gets enough exercise we play with her more indoors and run around the house.

We actually use the ashes from the fireplace. I know it sounds weird, but they're alkaline and they melt the snow (not as well as salt though) and the runoff is harmless and actually is good for the plants. The only thing is that it's sort of messy; you have to really wipe your feet well before you come back inside.

Here in Norway we use sand or gravel, almost never salt because it's too cold for it over here. No problems with mud, if you don't overdo it, that is.