"Shivering..." is a danger sign! Veterinarians teach you 3 ways to keep your small dog warm in the cold

The bitterly cold winters in Japan continue. It is essential to take measures against the cold, not only for us humans, but also for our beloved family members, our dogs. Small dogs, who are small and stay close to the ground, are particularly susceptible to the effects of the cold.

"I wonder if my dog ​​is cold?" "What kind of measures should I take?" To alleviate the worries of pet owners like these, we will introduce three key cold weather measures for small dogs that anyone can put into practice today.

1. Review your room environment! Beware of cold and dry feet

You might think it's safe because it's indoors, but there are actually many things to be careful of even inside the room.

Countermeasures against cold air from the floor:
Small dogs' bodies are close to the ground, so they feel the cold of the flooring directly. Place your dog's bed or house in a warm part of the room, avoiding places near windows or doors. Simply laying a fluffy blanket or a warm pet mat will greatly increase their comfort.

Prevent dryness and stay healthy:
In winter, heating can make the air dry. Dryness can cause skin problems and respiratory problems in dogs. Try to keep the indoor humidity at 50% to 60% by using a humidifier or hanging wet towels. A comfortable humidity level will protect your dog's delicate skin and coat.

2. When going for a walk, the key is "time" and "clothing"! Enjoy it warmly and stylishly.

If you don't take your dog for a walk just because it's cold, it can lead to lack of exercise and stress. With a little ingenuity, winter walks can be safe and enjoyable.

Choose the best time:
We recommend taking your dog for a walk during the day (10:00 AM to 2:00 PM) when the temperature is at its highest. Even sunlight can make a big difference in the perceived temperature. Avoid early mornings and nighttime when it's very cold.

Stay protected with warm clothing:
Warm dog wear is essential for breeds that are sensitive to the cold, as well as senior dogs. Items with fleece linings or windproof nylon outerwear are effective. Petopop items combine functionality and style, making walks on cold days even more enjoyable. Don't forget to use dog boots and paw cream to protect your dog's paws from the cold asphalt.

3. Winter hydration and diet: something that is surprisingly easy to overlook

Dogs tend to drink less water when it gets cold. However, staying hydrated is very important even in winter. If your dog does not have enough water in its body, blood flow will be poor and it may not be able to regulate its body temperature properly.

Hydration tips:
Giving your pet slightly warmer water and adding wet food to their diet will help them naturally drink more water.

Food to fuel:
Dogs consume a lot of energy in winter to maintain their body temperature. Make sure that their usual amount of food is sufficient, and carefully observe any changes in their weight and physical condition. However, some dogs spend more time indoors and get less exercise, so be careful not to overfeed them. If you have any concerns, consult your veterinarian.

Summary: Enjoy the best winter with your dog with these little tricks

All three of the points we've introduced today can be started right away. The most important thing is to carefully observe your dog's condition and take measures that are appropriate for him or her. With the right cold weather protection measures, you and your beloved dog can spend a warm and comfortable winter together.