[Complete Guide] For your beloved dog who is sensitive to the cold. 3 tips for keeping your small dog warm in the cold that you can start today

The cool air is a pleasant season, but for our little family members, dogs, who spend more time on the ground than we humans, the winter cold can be harsher than we might imagine. Small dogs, such as Chihuahuas and Toy Poodles, have particular difficulty maintaining their body temperature.

"My dog ​​seems a little listless lately..." "He's curled up on the cold floor..." Have you missed signs like these from your beloved dog?

In this article, the Petopop editorial team will introduce three key cold weather protection measures for small dogs that you can start putting into practice today, taking into account points to be aware of that are unique to living environments in Japan.

Point 1: Protect from the "invisible cold" in your room

You might think that the room is safe because the heater is on, but in fact, cold air tends to accumulate in the lower areas where your dog is. In particular, the hardwood floors that are common in Japanese homes directly absorb heat.

• Provide a warm sleeping area: A dome-shaped or rimmed bed is recommended as it traps heat and protects from drafts. Also, provide an extra blanket so your dog can regulate its own temperature.
• Shut out cold air from the floor: Simply placing a rug or cork mat in areas where your dog spends a lot of time can be extremely effective. If you use a heated carpet, be sure to choose one designed for pets and pay attention to the temperature setting to prevent low-temperature burns.
• Reassess your bed location: If you place your bed near a window or door, cold air will flow in without you even noticing. Try moving your bed to the center of the room or against a wall.

Point 2: Choose clothes that are both stylish and practical for your walks

Walks are an important part of daily routines, even in winter. However, suddenly going from a warm room to the cold outside can put a lot of strain on your dog's body. That's why cold weather clothing is essential for walks.

Some people may feel it's cruel to dress them in clothes, but for short-haired, single-coated dog breeds and senior dogs, winter clothing is not a fashion statement but a necessity.

The key to choosing is to look for a material with high thermal insulation that will keep the body heat in. Ease of movement is also important. Popular items include fleece with a brushed back and vests made of light, warm down material. Petopop's items , which are warm, easy to move in, and have a high level of design, will fulfill the wishes of pet owners.

Choose a warm time of day to enjoy a fun walk!

Tip 3: Don't forget to take care of dry skin and stay hydrated in winter

One thing that is often overlooked is how to prevent dryness in winter. Heated indoor spaces tend to dry out not only humans' skin but also dogs' skin, which can lead to dry skin and itchiness.

• Keep it moist with a humidifier: In the living room or bedroom where your dog spends a lot of time, use a humidifier to maintain the appropriate humidity level (40-60% is a good guideline).
• Check and moisturize paws: Cold, dry asphalt can cause cracked paws. After your walk, gently wipe away any dirt and, if necessary, apply a pet moisturizing cream.
• Frequent hydration: When it gets cold, pets tend to drink less water. Make sure they have fresh water available at all times, and if they don't drink, try giving them lukewarm water or slightly softening their food to help them stay hydrated.

With a little ingenuity and equipment, you can make winter with your beloved dog more comfortable and enjoyable. Make sure you're well prepared so your precious family can get through the winter in good health.

Petopop has a wide selection of functional and stylish items to help you get through the cold season. Be sure to check them out.