[Veterinarian Supervised] Winter cold is a big enemy for small dogs! 3 cold weather tips you can start using today
It's cold season and even our breath turns white. Just as we wrap ourselves in stylish coats, are you taking the necessary precautions to keep your beloved dog, especially a small breed, warm from the cold?
"My child is shivering..." "He looks so cold, I feel sorry for him, what should I do?"
For such caring pet owners, Petopop, which enriches pet life, will provide a thorough explanation of three key cold weather tips for small dogs, supervised by a veterinarian, that you can start using right away. We'll also cover issues unique to Japanese winters, such as cold floors and dry air caused by heating!
Why are small dogs more susceptible to the cold?
Small dogs such as Chihuahuas, Toy Poodles, and Pomeranians have a larger body surface area per unit of body weight due to their smaller size. This means that heat escapes more easily from their bodies, making it more difficult for them to maintain their body temperature than larger dogs. Also, because they are closer to the ground, they are more susceptible to the cold of cold asphalt and flooring in winter.
Let's check out some measures for three different situations to help your beloved dog have a comfortable winter!
Countermeasure 1: [Going Out] Stay stylish and protected from the cold! Wear high-performance clothing when going for a walk
Many dogs love to go for walks even in winter. However, sudden temperature changes put a lot of strain on their bodies. In particular, you need to be careful of heat shock when suddenly going from a warm room to a cold outdoor environment.
That's why dog wear is a must-have item for walks. Clothes aren't just for fashion. Just putting one piece of clothing on your dog's body creates a layer of air, preventing body heat from escaping, making it an important cold weather protection item.
- Material selection: We recommend using a highly insulating material such as fleece or boa for the inside, and a windproof material such as nylon for the outside.
- Fit: Choose a size that fits your body well and doesn't restrict movement. If it's too big, cold air will get in through gaps.
- Foot care: To protect your dog's paws from cold asphalt and snowy roads, don't forget to use dog boots and paw cream after walks.
Choose high-performance clothing that will keep you warm in one piece and enjoy your winter walks safely!
Countermeasure 2: [At Home] Don't let your guard down even indoors! Eliminate cold spots
You may think, "It's okay because the heating is on inside the room," but in fact, there are dangerous "chilling spots" lurking indoors.
Because dogs live at a lower level than humans, they are directly affected by the cold air that tends to accumulate on the floor. Hardwood floors in particular can get surprisingly cold in the winter.
For those times at home, prepare a fluffy, warm bed and blanket for your dog. It's important to shut out the cold air from the floor and create a "personal space" where your dog can rest in peace. Cold air can easily get in near windows and doors, so it's best to place the bed closer to the center of the room.
Petopop offers a wide selection of items that combine design and functionality and will fit in with any room. Why not find a special winter spot that your beloved dog will love? Be sure to check out Petopop's items .
Solution 3: [Inner Care] Often overlooked! Winter dryness and hydration
The last point is to care for your dog from the inside out. Heated rooms are comfortable, but they also have the disadvantage of making the air very dry. Dryness can affect the skin of dogs as well as humans, causing dandruff and itching.
As a countermeasure, try using a humidifier to keep the humidity level in the room at an appropriate level (40% to 60% is a good guideline). Also, in winter, pets tend to drink less water because they are less likely to feel thirsty. Hydration is essential for regulating body temperature and maintaining health, so it's important to make sure they have fresh water available at all times, and adding a little lukewarm water to their dry food is also an effective way to keep them hydrated.
It's also a good idea to add moisturizing care to your dog's paws, which tend to become dry and flaky, to your winter routine.
Summary: Have a warm and happy winter with your dog
What do you think about keeping small dogs warm in the cold?
- Protect your body when going out with high-performance clothing
- Protect your home from the cold with warming items
- Protect your body from the inside out with "moisturizing and hydration"
Just by keeping these three points in mind, your dog's winter comfort will be significantly improved. With a little ingenuity, you can protect your precious family from the cold. Petopop supports a wonderful winter lifestyle that will make your beloved dog shine even more.
Why not come and find that special item that will make this winter the happiest it will be?