Fido pauses at the door, reluctant to go outside. Fluffy stares longingly at the window, or spends hours grooming, furiously biting at the fur on her belly.

Whether it's combating cabin fever or protecting pets against the elements, our four-legged friends require special care during winter.

While it's true dogs and cats descend from wild animals, domesticated pets exist in a very different environment.

Even a breed of dog that generally performs well in low temperatures, like a husky, will not have the same resistance to the snow and cold as sled dogs in Nunavut, which tend to live outdoors.

Pet-industry experts say breed often determines whether you need to dress your dog for the elements.

"It really depends on what kind of activity you're doing with your dog," says animal behaviour consultant Jessica O'Neill (www.foreverfriendsdogtraining.ca).

Walking on sidewalks may be the worst, she says, as salt causes soreness around the dog's pads. A warm, moist pad can freeze on contact with very cold surfaces.

Veterinarian Dr. Ed Beltran adds that the hair between the pads can trap snow and combine with body heat to form balls of ice. "Walking around on that can be very uncomfortable."

If Fido lifts his feet, or seems less enthusiastic about going outside, he would probably benefit from bundling up.

O'Neill says dog shoes, known as booties, are a good solution.

There are a number of different companies that make them, so it's important to try to find a good fit," she says. "But it is a difficult area to fit."

Ginette Wilson of Ottawa's Critter Jungle agrees.

"It's like buying a bra. They have to come in and try them on."

Critter Jungle sells reusable rubber booties made by Pawz ($15), Ruff Wear boots for hiking and off-leash running ($65 to $80), and Muttluks ($45 to $60), which are best for street walking.

However, finding the right product is only half the battle. O'Neill says most dogs resist wearing shoes, and suggests a gradual approach: Put on one bootie, wait a minute, and reward the dog with treats and praise. Work up to four booties, but if your pet whines or seems uncomfortable, stop and return to the task another day.

There are options, however, to store-bought booties. Beltran says cutting the pad hair back can prevent the problem; coating the area with Vaseline before heading outside also provides protection.

Though paws present the biggest problem, Beltran says older dogs, and those with health problems, benefit from some extra insulation around the abdomen.

"It's classically in the winter months when kidney problems come up," Beltran says.

When it comes to cats, most pet experts agree that they're generally smart enough to stay inside when it's very cold. However, bladder problems often appear during the winter, so owners should be on the lookout for sandy deposits in the urine of their feline friends.

Cats are also prone to depression, Beltran says, particularly if they are used to spending a lot of time outdoors. Watch for excessive grooming, and be ready to play a bit more with Fluffy.

Indeed, making sure pets get enough stimulation in winter is a task in itself.

For people who tend to stay inside during winter, O'Neill suggests taking an obedience class; for a fun alternative, try the new freestyle classes offered by O'Neill and other area trainers. It's a mix of agility and obedience, set to music.

While winter brings new challenges for pet owners, it's not all bad. Beltran notes that the cold weather kills many parasites -- making it a great time for a fecal exam -- and the snow helps owners to identify urine discoloration. He also encourages a bit of overfeeding in the winter --for both dogs and their masters.