My dogs are spoiled, okay? So, I admit it and am not the least bit ashamed of that. They go where I go, and if they are not allowed – then I do not go to those places. They are welcome on my furniture, I share my bed with them and if there is enough room left over, my amazingly tolerant husband can even climb in and curl up with us.

Realistically I grudgingly accept that not all dogs are allowed a life of leisure and pampering like my dogs get. Some pets must spend the bulk of their lives outdoors no matter whether the weather is perfect or inclement. Here in Florida, it is not so much the winters our four-legged friends must be considered, although we do get some below freezing nights now and again. Down here and along the southern border of the U.S we worry more about the heat of the summer for our outdoor pets.

In many other parts of the United States, however, winters can be cold and brutal. It is important that as dog owners we need to recognize that the cold can be difficult and stressful on a pet.

Many dog owners operate under a false assumption that because a dog is equipped with fur, they cannot be affected by the cold. This could not be further from the truth. Think of it this way: men, grow a beard - is that part of your body now immune to the cold? Ladies don’t shave your legs, can you go around in shorts in the dead of winter and not be cold. Naturally the answer is no so why should it be different for pets?

Here are some things you can do to help your dog “weather” the upcoming winter:

• Shelter. The first defense against bitter cold, and by that I mean anything below freezing or 32 degrees, is shelter. If you must leave your dog outside in the open air, it will be subject to wind-chill in addition to cold temperatures. Anyone who has been out on a frigid Chicago night with the wind blowing knows how bitterly cold wind-chill can be.
• Blankets or warm materials to nest in. many breeds of dogs will use the materials around them to build a sleeping nest. My dogs do this on my bed with my covers. It is a security measure just as much as it is a warming measure.
• Use plastic bowls for food and water. Stainless steel will freeze water and food quickly.
• Consider older dogs, dogs with chronic diseases and puppies. These groups do not regulate their temperatures as well as a healthy adult dog. They need to be feed nutritious foods to help warm their body. They may require a bit more food in the wintertime to use as fuel to heat the body.
• Dogs with short, thin coats are especially susceptible to the cold. Sweaters should be considered for these breeds.

Of course, keeping your dog inside is the absolute best idea when the temperatures begin to drop and should be done when at all possible. Be a responsible pet owner and make sure your dog is taken care of this winter.