[Veterinarian Supervised] What are the cold weather measures really necessary for small dogs? 3 points to protect your beloved dog from the winter cold

The bitter cold of winter has arrived. Dogs are precious members of the family, but many small breeds, especially, are sensitive to the cold. "My dog ​​has been shivering a lot lately. Is he okay?" "He seems cold and doesn't want to go for walks..." Many pet owners probably have these kinds of concerns.

Compared to larger dogs, small dogs have a larger body surface area per unit of body weight, which means they lose heat more easily, making them more susceptible to the cold. However, with the right knowledge and precautions, your dog can stay warm and comfortable in winter.

This time, under the supervision of a veterinarian, Petopop will introduce three key points on cold weather protection measures that are truly necessary for small dogs to adapt to Japan's winter environment.

Point 1: Don't let your guard down indoors! Measures to prevent cold feet

You may think, "I have the heater on, so I feel safe indoors." In fact, warm air tends to accumulate at the top of the room, while cold air tends to stagnate near the floor. Small dogs live much closer to the floor than humans do, so they feel the cold from their feet more than their owners realize. Wooden floors in particular directly rob them of body heat.

Specific measures

• A warm place to sleep: Get your dog a fluffy blanket or a dome-shaped bed that they can snuggle in. This will give your dog their own private hideaway where they can feel safe and warm.
• Measures to prevent direct contact with the floor: Simply placing a mat under the bed or choosing a slightly higher cot-type bed can effectively block the cold air from the floor. It is also recommended to place a cork mat or rug in the living room.

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Point 2: Functional clothing is a must-have item for winter walks

Stopping winter walks completely because your dog is sensitive to the cold can lead to lack of exercise and stress. What's important is to make the right preparations to protect your dog from the cold. For small dogs, winter dog wear isn't just fashionable; it's also important "functional clothing" that helps regulate their body temperature.

How to choose your clothing

• Choose by material: Jackets with fleece or boa linings have excellent heat retention and are warm even when worn alone. On windy or snowy days, choosing a windproof jacket with an outer layer of nylon or other material (windbreaker) is even more effective.
• Choose by shape: A design that covers the stomach well will help prevent internal organs from getting cold. Also, choose a size that fits the body well and does not restrict movement of the arms and legs.

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Point 3: Dryness and paw care, which are often overlooked

Cold weather isn't the only enemy in winter. Dry air caused by heating can also damage your dog's skin and coat. Cold asphalt and, in some places, roads coated with antifreeze (snow-melting agents), can also be a major burden on your dog's delicate paws.

Specific care methods

• Keep your dog moisturized: Use a humidifier to maintain the appropriate humidity level in the room. It is also recommended to use a moisturizing spray for dogs when brushing.
• Protect your dog's paws: Apply a gentle cream to their paws before and after walks to protect and moisturize them, preventing dry cracks and reducing the risk of damage from cold ground.

Whether your beloved dog will be able to spend this winter comfortably or not depends on how ingenious you are as a pet owner. Petopop has a wide selection of winter items that are not only stylish but also functional.

Find the perfect outfit for your dog and enjoy the cold winter together. Check out Petopop's latest winter collection.