[Veterinarian Supervised] Protect your beloved dog from the cold! Three golden rules for keeping small dogs warm

Hello pet owners! I'm Aya, editor-in-chief of Petopop.

As the air gets colder, we can feel the full force of winter approaching. Just as we start preparing for winter with stylish coats and scarves, we also need to think about how to keep our beloved dogs warm, especially small dogs that are more susceptible to the cold.

"My dog ​​seems to be shivering..." "I wonder if he'll be cold on our winter walks?" To allay the worries of such pet owners, we'll introduce three essential rules for keeping your small dog warm in the cold, supervised by a veterinarian, that you can start using right away.

Why do small dogs need special winter protection?

Small dogs such as Chihuahuas, Toy Poodles, and Pomeranians tend to be more susceptible to the cold than larger dogs. There are three main reasons for this.

• Heat escapes easily : Because the body has a large surface area relative to its weight, body heat escapes easily.
• Close to the ground : Because they are small, they are more susceptible to the direct effects of radiative cooling from the ground.
• Less fat and muscle mass : There is less fat and muscle mass to maintain body temperature.

Hardwood floors and cold asphalt, in particular, can chill a small dog's body more than you might imagine, which is why owners need to take proper precautions.

You can start right now! Three golden rules for keeping your small dog warm in the cold

Golden rule 1: Review your room environment

The first thing to consider is the indoor environment your dog spends most of its time in. A comfortable room temperature is roughly 20 to 22 degrees Celsius, but there are other points you should check as well.

1. Bedside tips : Avoid placing your dog's bed near a window or door, where drafts can easily get in. Even adding a warm fleece or boa blanket can make the bed much warmer.
2. Keep out the cold from the floor : Flooring in winter is colder than you might imagine. Place rugs or mats not only on the bed but also in areas where your dog spends time to reduce the amount of time they spend in direct contact with the floor.
3. Beware of "dryness" : When you use a heater, the air becomes very dry. Dryness puts a strain on not only humans, but also your dog's skin and respiratory system. Try to keep the humidity level between 40% and 60% by using a humidifier or hanging wet towels indoors.

Golden Rule 2: When walking in winter, it is essential to dress stylishly for the cold.

"It's too cold, so let's cancel our walk..." This can lead to your dog not getting enough exercise and becoming stressed. To enjoy walks even in winter, warm clothing is an essential item.

When choosing your clothing, consider the following points:

• Material : We recommend fleece or boa lined jackets, or light, warm down jackets.
• Fit : Choose a size that fits your body well and doesn't restrict movement. Ideally, choose a design that provides ample coverage around the stomach, which is particularly prone to getting cold.
• Safety : Reflective material makes walking at night even safer.

Petopop's warm, easy-to-move-in, and stylish items are a great ally for winter walks. Find the perfect outfit for your dog and enjoy stylish outings even on cold days!

Rule 3: Support from the inside with diet and care

It's important to take care of your dog's body from the inside as well as the outside. In winter, your dog may consume more energy than usual to maintain body temperature. One way to do this is to monitor your dog's condition and, if necessary, consult with your veterinarian and slightly adjust the amount of food they eat.

Dry winter air and cold asphalt can also cause cracks in your dog's paws. After coming back from a walk, wipe your dog's paws clean and then gently care for them with a pet moisturizing cream to protect your dog's precious paws.

summary

There are three basic ways to protect small dogs from the cold: 1) the room environment, 2) clothing for walks, and 3) care from the inside. It's most important to observe your dog closely on a daily basis to see if they're shivering or hunched over, and to take measures that are appropriate for your dog.

Petopop offers functional and stylish items to support your beloved dog and owner every day through the winter. Be sure to prepare well and enjoy a warm and enjoyable winter!