As the night time temperatures plummet into the single digits and daytime rarely sees numbers above freezing, there are many pets living outdoors that are struggling just to keep warm.

Regardless of the breed, no dog can handle living outdoors without human assistance. Even those with very thick coats can still suffer frostbite on the pads of their feet and on their noses. Short coated breeds should not be left outdoors when the temperature drops below freezing. Heavily coated breeds such as the Chow, Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, Great Pyrenees and Samoyed will be able to withstand temperatures that are below freezing, however if the dog does not have the proper coat or the body fat to insulate themselves, they cannot tolerate these temperatures.

An outdoor dog will need a weatherproof shelter that is raised at least 1 to 2 inches off the ground. The indoor dimensions of this doghouse should be 1 ½ times the height of your dog when measured at the shoulders, and 1 ½ times the body length. Having a doghouse that is too large will be more difficult for your dog to stay warm.

Inside the doghouse, there should be plenty of straw or hay. Putting blankets in an outdoor dog house is never a good idea since they will harbor moisture and freeze. Make sure the opening to the shelter is facing away from the wind, and if possible have a doggy door that will block even more wind.

Dogs burn more energy in the winter since they are using their energy to keep warm, so he will require more food than in the summer months. Water freezes, so your dog will need a heated water bowl made of durable plastic. This will keep the water in the bowl from freezing, however you will need to check on the water bowl often to make sure there is still plenty of water available in the bowl.

Outdoor dogs should be monitored closely through the winter to assure they are warm enough. Keep in mind that very young dogs and aging dogs are not as able to keep warm as a dog in their prime. If at any time you find your dog to be shivering, it needs to get indoors quickly.