The natives will say that winter is on the way, and while I might argue that it barely feels like fall to this Maine native, of one thing I am sure. We all need to remember our pets' needs as the temperatures drop.

For those people whose pets spend a good deal of time outside, please remember a dog house with straw or bedding of some type is an absolute must. The house should be up off the ground and sheltered from the window preferably with a flap type door on the front. Dogs still need water even when it is cold so a heated water dish or bucket is a great way to prevent that water from freezing. Please consider bringing your dog in to the house during the coldest days, and please don't leave them out at night.

With outdoor cats, please check the forecast each day before letting your cat outside. With a sunny day, most cats can manage to stay warm, but overcast skies and low temperatures make a harsh combination. Windy conditions will always make it feel much colder too. so don't forget to check the wind speed. If your cat will be content in the house at night, please try to keep them inside since the overnight hours are the coldest.

Finally, please remember that short-haired dogs will often need jackets or sweaters while outside even for short amounts of time. Big or small, always consider the amount of fur on the dog rather than the size of the dog when making that decision. With that in mind, a Great Dane will need a jacket just as much as a Dachshund, and while it is easy to find a whole wardrobe for the small dogs it will take a much more thorough search to find a jacket to fit the big models. Don't delay as the dogs will be shivering soon!

Sharon Harkavy is community outreach and education director for Paws4Ever.