TYLER — It doesn't feel like December out there!

It doesn't even feel like Fall really.  But don't let that fool you, winter is right around the corner.

And the Humane Society is urging East Texans to be prepared for when it really gets cold soon.  Because your furry friends are counting on you.

"People think that they've got a coat, a dog or a cat's got a fur coat, but anything below 50 degrees can be very unpleasant for them and especially when the wind chill gets really down there," said Humane Society of East Texas Executive Director Gayle Helms.

No doubt, those temperatures will make an appearance in the weeks ahead.

Helms encourages folks to be ready for it.

"Especially for the outside dogs.  People need to first of all, provide them with additional food.  It takes more food for them to generate that heat and to stay warm," Helms said.

Helms says to make sure their water bowls aren't frozen over and she suggests plastic bowls instead of metal ones so tongues won't stick to them.

She says it's best to have igloo-type dog houses that are raised off the ground a little bit with hay, blankets or cedar shavings inside and the doorway turned away from the wind.  Put a flap over it if you can.

But Helms says some dogs just need a little more than that.

"For the small dogs or the older dogs, if at all possible, they need to come inside to be treated like a family member and it's just not healthy for them to be outdoors," Helms said.

Helms also says if you're thinking of buying a pet for someone for Christmas, that's just not a good idea.

Picking a pet is a very personal thing and she says the best thing is to come get a gift certificate from the Humane Society.