Fur coats notwithstanding, our pets can struggle to stay warm in the winter. Here are some tips to keep them comfy and safe.

Be sure to brush mats out often, because fluffy fur is a natural insulator. Pooch breeds with short coats benefit from doggy sweaters — particularly turtlenecks that cover the back and belly.

Puppies don’t do well in cold weather, so housebreaking in the winter is a challenge. You may want to train your pup to paper inside first, then move the training outside in the spring.

Elderly dogs are also sensitive to the cold, so keep their walks short. And with any walk outside, stay away from frozen bodies of water — you can never be sure just how sturdy the ice is. Many a tragedy has befallen a plunging pooch and his would-be rescuer.

Winter can be a wonderland — if you know how to keep your pet safe.