[Veterinarian-supervised] Cold weather protection for small dogs! 3 essential tips for winter walks and leaving your dog at home alone

It's the season when cold winds blow. Just as we keep warm in our favorite sweaters and coats, our beloved dogs, especially small breeds that are sensitive to the cold, require special care. In Japan, the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors can be extreme, and the cold floors and dry air caused by heating can create a harsh environment for dogs. "My dog ​​is shivering, but is he okay...?" To ease the worries of such owners, we've narrowed it down to three tips for keeping small dogs warm in the cold that you can start using right away.

Why is winter protection especially important for small dogs?

Because small dogs are smaller, their body surface area is larger relative to their body weight. This means that heat escapes more easily from their bodies. They also generally have less subcutaneous fat than larger dogs, making them more susceptible to the cold air coming from the ground, making their body temperature drop more easily. In particular, single-coated dog breeds (without undercoat), such as Chihuahuas, Toy Poodles, and Italian Greyhounds, tend to be more susceptible to the cold. Proper cold weather protection is essential to protect your dog from the risks of catching a cold or hypothermia.

You can start right now! 3 tips for preparing your small dog for winter

There's no need to think too hard about it. With just a few simple steps, you can make your dog's winter comfort significantly more comfortable. Let's take a look.

Point 1: Creating a cozy and comfortable room environment

One thing that is surprisingly often overlooked is the indoor environment, even when you are away from home. In particular, in Japanese homes where many floors are used, it is important to be careful of cold air coming up through the floor.

• Consider the location and material of your dog's bed: Move your dog's bed to a warmer part of the room, away from windows and doors where cold air can easily get in. Even adding a fluffy or fleece blanket can make it extra warm. If your dog likes to burrow, a dome-shaped bed is also a good option.
• Maintain appropriate temperature and humidity: When using heating, keep the temperature set at around 20-22°C and allow your dog to move freely to cooler areas. Heating also dries out the air, which can cause skin problems. Ideally, use a humidifier to maintain humidity levels at 50-60%.

Point 2: The new standard for winter walks is to keep them short and warm!

Even in the cold, walking is an important part of daily routine. However, it's not like summer. There are some winter rules for winter walks.

• Dress them in functional winter clothing: The old saying that "dogs don't need clothes" is no longer true. Winter clothing, especially for small dogs, is not only stylish but also essential for keeping them warm. It's important to choose clothing with fleece or boa lining, or fabric that's windproof, and to choose a size that fits them well. Petopop's warm and stylish clothing will make winter walks even more enjoyable.
• Choose the right time to care for your dog's paws: It's best to take your dog for a walk during the day (between 11:00 and 14:00) when the temperature is at its highest. Also, freezing cold asphalt can damage your dog's paws. Apply paw cream to protect them before a walk, and gently rinse them with lukewarm water after they get dirty or snowy.

Point 3: Don't overlook this! Winter "dry skin care" and "hydration"

The cold isn't the only problem in winter. Dry air caused by heating can also affect your dog's health.

• Moisturize your dog's skin and coat: Just like humans, dry air can dry out your dog's skin, leading to dandruff and itching. It's a good idea to use a shampoo with moisturizing ingredients or a moisturizing spray that can be used while brushing.
• Conscious hydration: In winter, dogs are less likely to feel thirsty and tend to drink less water. Of course, you should always have fresh water available, but you can also add a little warm water to their dry food to soften it, so that they can consume water with their meals without any effort.

Summary: With a little ingenuity, you can have the best winter with your dog

Protecting your small dog from the cold doesn't have to be something special. By simply paying a little attention to three basic things - the room environment, planning walks, and keeping them dry and hydrated - your dog can stay comfortable and healthy all winter long. There's nothing more satisfying for a pet owner than seeing their dog sleeping comfortably and cozy, or enjoying a lively winter walk. This winter, be sure to be fully prepared and create lots of warm memories with your dog.