[Winter 2024] Professional advice! 3 essential tips for keeping your small dog warm in the cold

Winter is here! Just as we keep warm with stylish coats and scarves, it's an important responsibility of pet owners to keep their beloved dogs warm, especially small breeds that are sensitive to the cold. "Is my dog ​​shivering?" "The floor seems cold..." You may be worried about these things.

Small dogs, who are small and close to the ground, feel the cold of winter more directly than we might think. Taking the wrong precautions could make them sick. But don't worry! With a little ingenuity, you can keep your beloved dog warm and comfortable this winter.

This time, the Petopop editorial team will introduce three tips for keeping small dogs warm in the cold that we think you absolutely must know!

Why do small dogs need special winter protection?

Small dogs have a large body surface area to body weight ratio, which means their body heat easily escapes. They also have less fat and are more susceptible to cold air coming from the ground, making them more vulnerable to the cold than larger dogs. Proper cold weather protection is essential to prevent hypothermia and a weakened immune system .

3 Tips to Protect Your Dog from the Cold, Starting Today!

1. Take thorough measures to prevent the "invisible cold" in your room

One thing that is surprisingly often overlooked is how to protect yourself from the cold indoors. In particular, in Japanese homes, your feet tend to get cold due to the hardwood floors and drafts coming through the windows.

• Prepare a warm place to sleep: Prepare a fluffy bed and a warm blanket. It's important to avoid placing the bed near a window or door where cold air can easily get in.
• Place mats on the floor: Simply placing a cork mat or rug in areas where your dog spends time can significantly reduce the cold coming up from the floor.
• Comfortable loungewear: Even if the heating is on, it can be effective to dress children who are sensitive to the cold in thin loungewear that is easy to move in.

2. "Warm and stylish" is the new norm for winter walks

Even in winter, walking is an important daily routine. However, the temperature difference between inside and outside can put a great strain on a dog's body. Nowadays, winter dog wear is not just for fashion.

Clothing with cold weather protection is an essential item . Choose a jacket made of windproof material, or clothes made of warm knit or fleece material. We especially recommend designs that protect the stomach from the cold. Petopop items combine functionality and style, making even harsh winter walks more enjoyable and safer.

You can also consider using dog boots and care cream to protect your dog's paws from snow and ice.

3. Moisturizing care to protect against dryness, something that is surprisingly often overlooked

The cold isn't the only enemy in winter. The air inside a heated room is very dry, which is a major enemy not only to humans but also to your dog's skin, fur, and paws.

• Control humidity with a humidifier: Maintaining the humidity level in your room between 50-60% will help prevent dry and itchy skin.
• Moisturizing care for paws: If your dog's paws become dry and prone to cracking, apply a special moisturizing cream and gently massage them in.
• Don't forget to stay hydrated: In winter, when you don't feel thirsty as often, it's easy to become dehydrated. Make sure you always have fresh water available.

Summary: Enjoy the best winter with your dog with these little tricks

When it comes to cold weather protection for small dogs, it's important to consider three key points: the room environment, clothing for walks, and dry care . Each small step can make a big difference in providing peace of mind and comfort to your dog.

This winter, make sure you take all the necessary precautions to stay warm and safe, and create lots of warm and fun memories with your beloved dog! Petopop is here to support you and your dog's winter life.