[Veterinarian Supervised] Winter cold is your enemy! 3 points to keep your small dog warm

The bitterly cold winter continues in Japan. Not only for us humans, but also for our beloved dogs, especially small breeds, the cold winter weather can cause illness. Single-coated dog breeds, senior dogs, and puppies require special care. Many pet owners are probably worried, thinking, "My dog ​​seems a bit cold..."

So today, under the supervision of a veterinarian, the Petopop editorial team will thoroughly explain three important points for keeping small dogs warm in the cold that anyone can start practicing today. With the right knowledge, you and your beloved dog can spend a warm and comfortable winter together!

Point 1: Review your room environment: "Measures to combat the cold indoors"

Something that is surprisingly often overlooked is how to protect your dog from the cold indoors. Because dogs live at a lower level than humans, they are more likely to feel the cold air coming from the floor (underfloor chill). In particular, wooden floors can get surprisingly cold in the winter.

• Consider the location of your dog's bed: Warm air from a heater tends to rise and cold air tends to fall, so move your dog's bed or cage to a warmer part of the room, avoiding places where drafts can easily enter, such as near a window or door.
- Provide a warm sleeping area: Simply laying down a warm fleece or boa blanket or providing a dome-shaped bed can make a big difference in the perceived temperature. If you use a heated carpet for pets, be sure to choose a low temperature setting and avoid using it for long periods of time to prevent low-temperature burns.
• Maintain the right humidity level: Heating the room can dry out the air, which can lead to skin problems and respiratory problems in dogs. Use a humidifier to keep the humidity level between 40% and 60%.

Tip 2: Enjoy your walks wisely: "Protecting yourself against the cold when going out"

Not taking your dog for walks just because it's cold can lead to lack of exercise and stress. With a few simple ideas, you can make winter walks safe and enjoyable.

• Make use of warm dog clothing: Winter dog clothing is an essential item, especially for short-haired or single-coated dog breeds. It helps retain body heat and protects the body from the cold outside air. Petopop's items are not only stylish, but also offer ease of movement and excellent heat retention, making them a great ally for walks on cold days. Why not make winter outings even more enjoyable with stylish clothing?
• Choose the right time to walk: Choose the warmest time of day to go for a walk. Avoid the coldest early mornings and evenings.
• Don't forget to take care of your dog's paws: Freezing cold asphalt can damage your dog's paws, so applying paw protection cream or putting dog boots on them before walks can be effective measures.

Tip 3: "Diet and Care" to Warm Your Body from the Inside Out

In addition to external measures, it's also important to warm your dog from the inside out. With just a little effort, you can help maintain your dog's health.

• Slightly warm food and water: Try warming your dog's usual food and water slightly to body temperature before giving them to him. This will warm his body from the inside and aid digestion. However, if the food is too hot, it can cause burns, so be sure to check the temperature.
• Be conscious of hydration: In winter, we don't feel thirsty as easily, so we tend to drink less water. However, in a heated room, we lose fluids without even realizing it. Make sure you have fresh water available at all times.
• Massage and brushing: Gently massaging and brushing your dog will increase blood circulation and warm the body. It's also a great way to bond with your dog and can have a relaxing effect.

What did you think? Small dogs are more sensitive to the cold than we owners realize. Please refer to the three points introduced here and carefully observe your dog's condition while incorporating cold weather protection measures that are appropriate for your dog. With the right care, your dog will survive the cold winter in good health!