[Veterinarian-supervised] Now you can rest assured! 3 tips for keeping your small dog warm in the winter

The footsteps of winter are starting to sound, and the number of chilly days is increasing❄️. Just as we humans wear layers of clothes, it is actually very important for dogs, especially small breeds, to take measures to protect themselves from the cold. You might think, "My dog ​​has fur, so it's fine," but the truth is, many small dogs are weak to the cold because their small bodies make them more susceptible to the cold air coming from the ground. This time, the Petopop editorial team will introduce three specific cold weather measures that you can start using today to help you and your beloved dog spend a warm and comfortable winter!

First of all, why are small dogs so susceptible to the cold?

Small dogs such as Chihuahuas, Toy Poodles, and Yorkshire Terriers have a larger body surface area to volume ratio than larger dogs, meaning that their body heat tends to escape more easily. Also, because they are closer to the ground, they feel the cold from the floor or asphalt directly. Single-coated dog breeds (those with a single layer of fur), senior dogs, and puppies are particularly bad at regulating their body temperature, so support from their owners is essential.

Tip 1: Review your room environment! Prevent cold feet

The first thing you need to be careful of in your room in winter is the cold coming from the floor and drafts. Is your dog's favorite spot near a window or door?

• Relocate your dog's bed: Move your dog's bed or cage to a warmer location, a little further away from windows and doors.
• Add warming materials: Adding a fleece blanket to your bed or getting a dome-shaped bed that completely covers you can also be effective.
• Rugs and mats on the floor: If you spend a lot of time on the floor, simply laying down a rug or cork mat can significantly reduce the coldness of your feet.

*Caution: Leaving the heater or kotatsu on can cause low-temperature burns and dehydration. Please make sure to leave enough space for your dog to move around on its own.

Tip 2: Make your walks more enjoyable! How to choose the right winter clothing

Have you ever had the experience of your dog not wanting to go for a walk because it's too cold? Just putting on a warm piece of clothing can change your dog's motivation to go for a walk. The key points when choosing clothing are functionality and fit.

• Cover your stomach well: Choose a design that provides ample coverage for your stomach, which is prone to getting cold.
• Prioritize ease of movement: If the size is not right, it can make it difficult to walk and cause joint pain. Choose shoes that fit your body well and do not restrict movement.
• Choose by material: Jackets with fleece or boa linings have excellent heat retention, and for windy or snowy days, we recommend outerwear made from windproof and waterproof materials such as nylon.

Stylish and functional clothing will make your cold weather outings even more special. If you're not sure what to wear, be sure to check out Petopop's items . You're sure to find something you love ❤️.

Tip 3: Winter dryness and health care - something that is surprisingly easy to overlook

The cold isn't the only threat of winter. Dryness caused by heating can also affect your dog's health.

• Moisturizing skin: Heated indoor air tends to be dry. Just like humans, dry skin in dogs can cause dandruff and itching. It's important to use a humidifier and brush your dog's skin to promote blood circulation.
• Paw care: Dry winter asphalt can cause cracks in your dog's paws. After a walk, wipe them clean with a wet towel and moisturize them with paw cream.
• Don't forget to stay hydrated: In winter, pets may feel less thirsty and drink less water. It's effective to make sure your pet has fresh water available at all times and to soften their dry food a little so that they get more moisture from their food.

What did you think? With a little ingenuity, your dog can spend the winter much more comfortably. Environment, clothing, and daily care. Make sure to keep these three points in mind and create lots of warm and fun winter memories with your beloved dog 🐶.