Our poodle, Queen, is small, and small dogs have a harder time staying warm than big ones. So do older pets, and pets living with certain health conditions.

Winter can be a cozy season for an older dog or cat, and a few changes help keep it that way.

Joints and slippery ground

Cold weather can make some conditions worse, including arthritis, and older or arthritic pets may have a harder time walking on snow and ice and be more likely to slip and fall. Shovel a path in the yard, stick to cleared ground on walks, and talk with your veterinarian if your pet seems sorer in the winter months.

Late fall is a good time for a checkup, so your pet goes into the cold as healthy as possible.

Health conditions and the cold

Pets with diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease or hormonal imbalances such as Cushing’s disease may have a harder time regulating their body temperature, and the same goes for very young and very old pets. If your pet lives with one of these conditions, ask your veterinarian how much cold is too much.

A warm place to rest

Give your pet a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from drafts. Pets like to move around to find the right temperature, so offer a couple of comfortable spots to choose from.

For older cats, think warm, not hot: too much heat can burn a cat who can’t move away quickly. Heated pet mats can still cause burns, so use them with care.

Coats and sweaters

Small dogs, short-haired dogs, short-legged dogs and older dogs have a harder time staying warm, and a sweater or coat can help. Keep a dry one ready for each trip outside, because a wet coat can make your dog colder.

Paws, salt and ice melt

Ice, salt and de-icers can crack or irritate paw pads, and pets can get sick from licking de-icers off their feet. When you come back inside, wipe or wash your dog’s feet, legs and belly.

Check their pads for cracks or bleeding. Trimming the fur between the toes can cut down on ice balls, and booties help if they fit well. On your own walkway, a pet-safe ice melt protects your pet and your neighbors’ pets too.

Antifreeze

Antifreeze tastes sweet to animals, and even a small amount can be deadly to dogs and cats. Clean up any spills right away and keep containers out of reach. If you think your pet has swallowed any, call your veterinarian or a pet poison line right away.

• ASPCA Poison Control: (888) 426-4435

• Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661

Both are open 24 hours a day. The ASPCA says a consultation fee may apply, and Pet Poison Helpline charges a fee for each case.

Shorter walks, warmer days inside

You’ll probably need to shorten walks in very cold weather, but dogs still need to get outside. Stay away from frozen ponds and lakes, because the ice may not hold your dog’s weight.

On the coldest days, a puzzle feeder, a snuffle mat or a few minutes of training can give your dog’s mind a workout indoors.

Don’t leave pets outside for long when it’s cold. If it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pet. And don’t leave a pet in a cold car, which can chill them quickly.

Signs your pet is too cold

Bring your pet inside if they’re whining, shivering, seem anxious, slow down or stop moving, seem weak, or start looking for warm places to burrow. Don’t count on shivering alone, though: in pets it isn’t a reliable sign of hypothermia.

Frostbite is harder to spot and may not show for a few days. The ears, tail and feet are most often affected. If you think your pet has hypothermia or frostbite, call your veterinarian right away. Move them somewhere warm and dry, dry them off if they’re wet, and wrap them in a warm (not hot) blanket. Don’t rub frostbitten skin.

Around the house

• Space heaters: use them with care around pets. They can cause burns, or be knocked over and start a fire.

• Fireplaces: keep pets back from the fire, never leave a pet alone with a lit fireplace, and remember that ashes with live embers can burn.

• Cars: cats sometimes curl up near a warm engine or in a wheel well, so check under the car, bang on the hood and honk before you start the engine.

• Carbon monoxide: a carbon monoxide detector protects everyone in the house, pets included.

• Food and water: keep your pet at a healthy weight. Pets that spend a lot of time outdoors may need extra calories in winter, and many indoor pets need fewer because they move less, so ask your veterinarian before changing meals. Fresh water always, and if your pet spends time outside, make sure it hasn’t frozen.

Winter can be a season of slow mornings, warm blankets and a little extra time together. A few small changes help an older pet enjoy it too.

If the cold seems to be making your pet sore, How to Tell If Your Dog or Cat Is in Pain walks through the quieter signs.

This article shares general safety information from veterinary sources. It isn’t a substitute for advice from your own veterinarian. If you think your pet has eaten something harmful, call your veterinarian or a pet poison line.

Sources

We’re arranging a veterinary review of this article. Until it’s done, here are the sources behind it.

• American Veterinary Medical Association: Cold weather animal safety

• ASPCA: Cold Weather Safety Tips

• ASPCA: Fire Safety and Your Pets

• Cornell Riney Canine Health Center: Winter safety tips

• Cornell Feline Health Center: Cold Weather Tips for Cats

• Cornell Feline Health Center: Loving Care for Older Cats

• Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: Keeping your furry friends safe during winter weather

• Cornell Riney Canine Health Center: Canine Enrichment Ideas

• University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine: Protect Your Pets from Winter Hazards

• Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine: Purdue Veterinarians Give Winter Weather Tips for Pet Owners

• Merck Veterinary Manual: Keeping Pets Safe During Cold Winter Months

• Merck Veterinary Manual: What to Do in a Dog or Cat Emergency

• Merck Veterinary Manual: Ethylene Glycol (Antifreeze) Poisoning

• ASPCA Poison Control

• Pet Poison Helpline