We use pet friendly ice melter and it comes in a 5 gallon bucket with a snap on lid. Ice don't bother me at all except on steps or on the deck as I don't want to slip and fall.
Far as I know, all ice mitigating compounds including brine, will freeze and become ineffective below 30 degrees (f), Of that don't include sand which is not only environmentally friendly but pet friendly and can clog storm drains quite nicely as well.
Our prime concern is our dogs and the bottoms of their feet in the winter.