No more shaking! The definitive guide to keeping your small dog warm in the winter in Japan ❄️

The harsh winter cold. We humans feel the cold all the time, but did you know that dogs, who live closer to the ground and have smaller bodies, feel the cold even more? Japan's living environments, in particular, are full of harsh conditions for small dogs, with cold flooring and drafts.

For owners who are worried, "Is my dog ​​cold...?", we've narrowed it down to three effective cold weather protection measures for small dogs that you can start putting into practice right away!

Point 1: Review your room environment! Measures to prevent "hidden cold spots"

You may think that it's okay because the heater is on, but in fact, there are many "hidden cold spots" in the room that can chill your dog. First, let's take a look at the environment of the room where your dog spends the most time.

• Shut out cold air from the floor: Small dogs' bodies are close to the ground, so they feel the cold of the floor directly. Simply placing a thick rug or insulating mat under the bed or in a place where they often spend time can make a big difference in the perceived temperature.
• Where should you place the bed?: Place your dog's bed a little away from windows and doors, where drafts can easily get in. Place your dog's bed in a warmer part of the room.
• Dryness is the skin's worst enemy! Dry air caused by heating can cause skin problems in dogs. Using a humidifier to maintain the appropriate humidity level (40-60%) is an important part of cold weather protection.

Point 2: When taking a walk in winter, the key is time, place, and clothing!

Not going for a walk just because it's cold can lead to lack of exercise and stress. With some ingenuity, you can enjoy a comfortable winter walk. The three most important things are "time," "place," and "clothes."

Choosing a time and place

When taking your dog for a walk, choose a time of day when it is relatively warm. It is best to avoid early mornings and freezing nights. Also, avoid windy days and choose a sunny park or path so your dog can walk comfortably.

Make use of functional and stylish clothing!

Cold weather clothing is essential for winter walks. We especially recommend designs that protect the stomach from the cold and materials that are windproof. Petopop's items are not only stylish but also highly functional, protecting your dog from cold winds and snow. Just putting one piece on your dog will make walks much more comfortable. This may be the most effective way to protect your small dog from the cold !

Tip 3: Warm yourself from the inside out! Winter food and hydration

In addition to external measures, it is also important to warm the body from the inside. In winter, the cold weather reduces exercise and metabolism tends to slow down, so it is important to support this with dietary changes.

• Warm the food a little: Simply adding a little warm water to your pet's usual dry food to soften it, or warming wet food to body temperature will warm your pet's body from the inside out. This will also help stimulate their appetite.
• Don't forget to hydrate: In winter, dogs tend to drink less water because they are less likely to feel thirsty. Try to make it easier for your dog to drink water by changing their water to lukewarm water, for example.

What did you think? Just by focusing on the room environment, planning walks, and caring for your dog from the inside, your beloved dog will be able to spend the winter in comfort. Please try these out today so that your beloved family member can get through the winter in good health without shivering from the cold. 🐶❤️