[Veterinarian-supervised] Cold weather protection for small dogs! 3 tips to protect your beloved dog from the cold in winter

The bitter cold of winter has arrived. Winter is a harsh season not only for us humans, but also for small dogs, especially small breeds . "My dog ​​seems to be shivering a lot lately..." Have you overlooked such signs?

Cold weather not only drains your dog's energy, but can also weaken its immune system and cause joint problems. In this article, the Petopop editorial team will thoroughly explain three key points for keeping small dogs warm in Japan's living environment!

1. [Indoors] Starts from your feet. How to prevent chills in your room

You might think, "It's okay because the heater is on," but there's actually a dangerous pitfall. Warm air rises and cold air falls, so small dogs that spend a lot of time near the floor feel the cold more than their owners realize.

Key points of measures:

• Prepare a warm bed or blanket: Fleece or boa fabric is a must, and a dome-shaped bed that your dog can crawl into is also recommended.
• Move your pet's cage and bed away from windows: Drafts through windows can be colder than you might think, so move your pet's sleeping area to a warmer spot in the room.
• Use pet heated carpets wisely: It is effective to use them in parts of your pet's body when you are away from home, while being careful to avoid low-temperature burns. Be sure to choose one that is specifically designed for pets.

This alone will dramatically increase the comfort level in your room. The key point is "temperature control from your dog's perspective."

2. [Walk Edition] Combining style and functionality! Winter outing tips

Even in winter, walking is an important daily routine. However, the sudden temperature difference between indoors and out can put a lot of strain on your dog's body. This is especially important for dogs with weak hearts and senior dogs.

Key points of measures:

• Dress your dog in functional dog clothing: Choose clothing made from windproof materials or with a fleece interior. We especially recommend designs that protect the tummy from the cold. Petopop's warm, easy-to-move-in items make winter walks more enjoyable and fun. They're not only stylish, but also highly functional, making them a popular choice among many pet owners.
• Plan your walks accordingly: Avoid early morning and nighttime walks when it's coldest, and go for walks during the warmer hours of the day.
• Don't forget to take care of your dog's paws: Cold asphalt can cause dry, cracked paws, so apply a moisturizing cream before and after walks to give your dog some gentle care.

3. [Health Care] Winter Dryness and Hydration - Often Overlooked

A heated room may be comfortable, but the trade-off is that the air is extremely dry , which can affect your dog's skin, coat, and respiratory system.

Key points of measures:

• Maintain the appropriate humidity level with a humidifier: Keep the humidity at a comfortable level of 50-60%, which is also comfortable for humans. It also helps reduce static electricity.
• Check water intake: In winter, pets are less likely to feel thirsty and tend to drink less water. Make sure your pet has access to fresh water at all times, and if they don't drink much, try introducing wet food or soaking dry food in lukewarm water.
• Brush your dog frequently: This promotes circulation and helps maintain healthy skin and coat. Keep an eye out for signs of dryness, dandruff, and itchiness.

Summary: Don't miss your dog's signs and give him the best winter ever

This time, we introduced three key points for keeping small dogs warm in the cold: indoor environment, walks, and health care. Because dogs cannot speak, it is important for us to carefully read their signs and create the optimal environment for them.

With just a little ingenuity, you can make winter with your dog warmer and happier. Petopop supports you and your dog's wonderful daily lives!