Thank you for this really helpful post Catherine.
All our pets feel the cold. Some animals have higher body temperatures, but that doesn't mean they don't feel cold! Dogs should not be kept outside even in a kennel in severe weather. Even if they are dogs who usually stay outside, or even prefer to be outside! They also die of hypothermia, just as we do. They need to come in to some sheltered place even if some may not like heat.
People should be aware that in ice and snow their dogs can also get very damaged feet. Snow collects between the pads, and the toes, then freezes, and this cuts their feet. In harsh winter weather dogs need to wear little boots! No matter how silly this may sound, those boots are often worn by dogs in severe ice and snow.
All animals need reliable shelter in winter weather.
With the weather turning cold I am starting to see dogs in coats. No dog can stay out for a long time without risk of cold damage.
I do know a Newfoundland dog and she might be able to handle the cold. I saw her walking down the sidewalk towards me late one night and I thought I was seeing a bear! Then Penny waved her tail and bounded up to me. She is huge and her fur is thick and water proof. She doesn't know what cold is because it never penetrates her coat. She is so huggable.
All other dogs need winter protection. Even in areas where it is just a little colder, it is not good to let a dog sleep on a cold floor or stay out too long. It is too hard on their health.
I can just visualise Penny coming towards you with a happy greeting Catherine! She will probably love the cold weather -but even she will go inside at the end of the day.
Short-coated dogs definitely need to wear coats, no doubt about it. Even in just slightly cold weather.
In severe weather, having a "yard dog" tethered outside or even with a kennel for shelter is nothing short of cruelty.
Horses need protection too. They wear coats, and should always have a good shelter with plenty of fresh hay. Their feet can also suffer with freezing weather and snow, and damp weather affects them badly if they are not given some dry place to come inside. They can get laminitis.
I feel sorry for some wild creatures. Of course some will hibernate, but birds don't have that option and have to work all day long to find enough food. I know natural oils in their feathers protect them from snow and rain, but still -poor things!
It is tough for the wild animals, but the squirrels will stay in their dens on the colder days. The birds seem to know where to find food. Raccoons are sleeping and so are skunks and groundhogs.
It is really our pets that need protection from the cold. Right now boots and a coat are in order. The air is so cold that it burns. Walking on a sidewalk would be uncomfortable for a dog's feet. The wind is so cold that a dogs ears could get frozen.
Better to stay inside and keep warm.
No cat should be outside in this weather ever.
I am deeply sorry for all the strays. The ones who are still out there. My thoughts go out to them.