So, it’s finally starting to get cold, more so in some places than others of course, and with that brings a new wardrobe, new movies to cuddle with your dog on the couch with a new Starbucks holiday drink, a new Grey’s Anatomy series and perhaps some different ways to keep your pup warm during walks and playing outside.

When the nights begin to start around 7 p.m., the air is more dry and cooler, you might see different behaviors in your dog, espeically if he/she is older. I didn’t believe this at first, but the cold weather actually makes your dog’s joints more stiff – I’ve seen it in my schnauzer! Older bones get stiff in the chill and older bodies arenʼt quite as good at staying warm- things just donʼt work as well for many senior dogs.

One of the quickest ways to vastly improve your pets playtime in the cold weather is to make sure heʼs got the right kind of bed during the night. Even if heʼs been sleeping with you for years, the time might be just around the corner when that hop up to the bed — and the one down from it — gets to be too painful for him.

Another way to deal with cold-weather-pain is to get your pup a set of steps that will help him/her get from floor to bed and back down again without jumping. If youʼre looking ahead, though, it might be in both of your best interests to find him a great bed that heʼll be more comfortable sleeping in than he will on yours, and kinder to let him get used to the idea and choose to change beds now, on his own, rather than have to force the issue later if there are incontinence problems.

Visco materials are great in bedding for older dogs. Itʼs soft, pliable but somewhat supportive, and it retains a great deal of body heat. For an older dog, sleeping on something that stays warm and softly cradles the body can be the difference between waking up in the morning with a whimper or bounding out of bed like a youngster. Visco beds are one of the better choices of large dog beds that you can make for a bigger dog who is getting older. An even better choice of bed construction material for a large dog, especially one who is aging, is natural latex. While it wonʼt retain the body heat that visco will, it is more supportive while still being cushy.Bean bags are also a great choice for older dogs – as long as you get one thatʼs the right size so your dog will have the room it needs. Theyʼre great because they conform to however your dog wants to sleep, relieving your pop of any unneccisary pressure against joints or bones that are already in pain.

Still not satisfied? More ways to keep your dog from stiffness include dog outerwear. Even a hardy dog who is getting older might benefit from a jacket or sweater to wear outside when winter hits. Don’t make your dog give up walks! Walks are good for health in all ways but cold joints donʼt move freely, so a good walking coat can make a world of difference to your old dog. If your dog hasnʼt worn boots in bad weather it might be difficult to convince him to go along with it now, but if you can reach an accord on the subject of boots, theyʼll make a difference in cracked pads and cold, sore paws. Lastly, joint supplements like chondroitin, glucosamine and MSM can boost your dogs calcium and bone strength. One called “Catʼs Claw” is well known to be effective in treating arthritis and even helping to prevent it. Just donʼt tell your dog what the name of it is.

Also, consider adjusting feeding schedules. You donʼt want your dog to carry excess weight — thatʼs another thing that is hard on joints — but you do want him to be able to regulate his own body temperature. One way to help with this is to spread out feedings. Instead of feeding once or twice a day, feed the same overall amount, but stretch it out over three or four smaller meals. It usually wonʼt hurt to add in a few tasty scraps or drizzle some bacon grease over the food, as older dogs sometimes lose their sense of taste and even part of their ability to smell. Just be careful not to add too much rich fat to his diet because that can lead to pancreatitis.

These techniques may sound silly now, but your dog will be thanking you later, because thereʼs no reason your aging dog shouldnʼt enjoy his holiday years!