How to Keep Your Dog Warm in Winter Times?

It’s winter time. The nights are cold with temperatures below freezing and eventually snow will be on the ground. Our four-legged friends still needs to go outside to take care of business. Some dogs even have to or want to sleep outside. As a dog owner one of your concerns might be how you can keep your pet warm and protected when he's got to be out in the cold?
Mother nature is taking care of some breeds by default. These dogs barely notice the lower temperatures, while others again can hardly go outside without major shivering. Age is another concern. Some older dogs and young puppies have trouble dealing with cold temperatures. Their body and fur is not withstanding the cold temperatures and they need extra protection.
Depending on your dog you should keep your dog indoors as much as possible. While dogs have to go outside to do their business, they should not spend long periods of time outdoors – especially if your dog is sensitive to the cold. While you see some pet owners putting their dogs into blankets or doggie clothes, this is not a preferrable option for a pet. One reason is that these artificial coats do not protect good enough. The cold temperatures are also creeping up through the paws. The wind might be blowing so strong that these blankets or doggie clothes are just not good enough to protect fido. Instead of using these items, the time a dog spends outside should be limited. A dog feels when it is too cold and does its business and goes back inside.
A dog should not have to sleep on the cold floor whenever possible (unless he has a choice and decides to do so). Have a dog bed or dog pillow for your pet that offers protection from the cold floor. This will give your best friend a needed buffer from the cold floor.
If your dog has to be outside for long periods of time, setup a good dog house or put a shelter up that protects fido from wind and snow. Make sure is water bowl is heated so that the water does not freeze. Many pet owners seem to forget this basic need.
During the winter months, your dog will use more calories staying warm. Feeding your dog extra food will let him gain weight, which will help keep him warm during colder months. Keep an eye on his weight though and eventually check with the veterinarian to keep the weight under control.
Depending on where you live you will have to add additional items to this list to protect your best friend from the cold environment. Check with your vet as he can give you the best advice for your geographic area and your dog’s breed. ( By Christoph Puetz )