It's probably a salty taste, too. I always worry about that stuff, because the dogs always like their paws when lounging around. I try to use sand instead of salt anywhere near where it can get tracked into the house or where the dogs walk.

One time I bought a bag of kitty litter to use instead of sand -- because someone gave me a "tip". That clay-based kitty stuff turned to mud when stuff melted, and it got tracked everywhere. Not recommended.