Winter weather is here and temperatures are reaching below freezing.  The Humane Society urges all pet owners to bring their pets inside and exercise the utmost caution when exposing pets to winter cold.  Pets rely on their owners to help keep them warm during cold weather.  The Humane Society general rule is If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your pets.  Don’t leave pets outside in the cold for prolonged periods of time.  Remember that thermometers might show one temperature, but wind chills can make it feel much, much colder.  If pets spend a lot of time outdoors, make sure to introduce them gradually to dropping temperatures, rather than exposing them to the extreme cold all at once.  For outdoor dogs, owners should provide a well-insulated, draft-free, appropriately sized doghouse with straw, not hay, towels or blankets.  A wet pet is a cold pet, so towel or blow-dry pets if they get wet from rain or snow.  Pets are just as likely to get dehydrated in the winter as in the summer, so be sure to provide plenty of fresh water, as snow is not a substitute for water.  Refill outside bowls often to prevent freezing.  Pets need a well-groomed coat to keep properly insulated.  Short- or coarse-haired dogs might get extra cold so consider a sweater or a coat, while long-haired dogs should have their paw hair trimmed to ease in cleaning and snow removal.