[Veterinarian-supervised] Protect your dog from the cold in winter! 3 tips for keeping your small dog warm

Winter has arrived in earnest. While it's nice to spend time cozy in a heated room, this is a season that requires a little extra care for our beloved little family members, our dogs. Small dogs, especially those who are small and stay close to the ground, are more susceptible to the cold than we might think. Many pet owners worry about their pets being cold due to the cold flooring and the temperature difference when they go for a walk.

So, this time we will introduce three points that you can start putting into practice today about "cold weather protection measures for small dogs" to help your beloved dog spend the winter comfortably.

Why are small dogs more susceptible to the cold?

First of all, why are small dogs vulnerable to the cold? There are three reasons.

1. Because they have a small body: Their body surface area is large relative to their weight, so heat tends to escape easily.
2. Because it is close to the ground: It is easily affected by the cold air from the ground (chill from the ground).
3. Coat type: Single-coated dog breeds such as Chihuahuas and Toy Poodles are said to be particularly sensitive to the cold because they do not have an undercoat to protect them from the cold.

For these reasons, it is essential for owners to take careful measures to protect small dogs from the cold.

3 ways to keep your small dog warm in the cold, starting today!

To protect your dog from the cold, consider measures to take both inside and outside the home.

1. Creating a cozy environment in your room

Something that is surprisingly often overlooked is indoor cold weather protection. In particular, many Japanese homes are constructed in a way that makes it easy for the feet to get cold. First, let's prepare the environment in the room where your dog spends the most time.

• A warm place to sleep: Add a fluffy blanket or a warm winter mattress to your pet's usual bed. If your pet likes to burrow, consider a dome-shaped bed.
• Prevent cold from coming up through the floor: It is effective to lay a cork mat or rug in the living room where your dog often spends time. This alone can significantly reduce the cold coming up through the floor.
• Beware of dryness: Heating your home can make the air drier. Dryness can also cause skin problems. Try to keep the humidity at around 50-60% by using a humidifier or hanging a wet towel nearby.

2. Choose warm clothing to make your walks more enjoyable

Walks are an important daily routine, even in winter. However, suddenly going from a warm indoor environment to the cold outdoors can put a lot of strain on your dog's body. It's especially important to protect your dog's body with clothing on bitterly cold or windy days.

The key points to consider when choosing are "warmth" and "ease of movement." These days, there are many clothes that are not only stylish but also highly functional. For example, choose a warm fleece-lined material or a windproof outerwear, depending on your dog's size and amount of fur. If you're not sure what to choose, check out Petopop's items . You're sure to find something you like.

3. Winter health care that is often overlooked

Keeping warm is not the only way to protect yourself from the cold. Don't forget to take care of your health during the winter.

• Paw Care: Cold asphalt and snow can cause dry, cracked paws. After a walk, gently cleanse your dog's paws with warm water and, if necessary, apply a moisturizing dog cream.
• Hydration: In winter, dogs tend to drink less water because they are less likely to feel thirsty. Encourage your dog to drink more water by adding a little warm water to its food or by using wet food.
• Check your dog's health: Signs such as shivering or curling up tight are signs that your dog is cold. Observe your dog's condition frequently and adjust the room temperature and clothing accordingly.

Summary: Get through the winter in good health with these loving cold weather protection measures!

This time, we introduced three points to keep small dogs warm in the cold: "Creating an indoor environment," "What to wear when walking," and "Winter health care."

With a little ingenuity and consideration, your dog can spend the winter comfortably and safely. Observe your dog's condition carefully and give him or her a warm and enjoyable winter in a way that suits him or her. Petopop supports the happy daily lives of both owners and their beloved dogs.