[Veterinarian-supervised] Protect your dog from the cold in winter! Three golden rules for keeping small dogs warm

The cold winter air is starting to bite. Just as we keep warm with stylish coats and scarves, it's essential for our beloved family members, especially small breeds, to take measures to protect themselves from the cold .

"My child seems a little listless..." "He's shivering from the cold..." Have you missed these signs?

In fact, small dogs are more susceptible to the cold coming from the floor because their bodies are closer to the ground. In particular, in Japanese homes, the floors can get freezing cold in the winter. In this blog, the Petopop editorial team, under the supervision of a veterinarian, will introduce three cold weather protection measures for small dogs that you can start using right away! 🐶❄️

Why do small dogs need cold weather protection?

Small dogs have a harder time maintaining their body temperature than larger dogs due to their smaller size. The cold can drain their energy, weaken their immune system, worsen joint pain, and even cause skin problems due to dryness. Support your dog with the right knowledge to help them stay healthy and comfortable during the winter.

3 ways to keep your small dog warm in the cold

1. Review your room environment! "Keeping your home warm"

One thing that is often overlooked is how to protect your dog from the cold indoors. Wooden floors can directly cool your dog's stomach.

• Provide a warm sleeping area: A dome-shaped or fluffy bed will keep out the cold air. Avoid places where drafts can easily get in, such as near a window or door, and place your pet in a warm central area of ​​your living room.
• Lay down rugs or mats: Simply lay down cork mats or thick rugs in areas where your dog spends a lot of time, and you can significantly reduce the cold coming up from the floor.
• Be careful of the air conditioner's wind: Direct exposure to the warm air from a heater can also dry out your skin. Ideally, adjust the direction of the air conditioner and use a humidifier to keep the humidity at 50-60%.

2. Stay smart and warm when walking! "Outdoor cold weather protection"

Walking is an important part of daily routine, even in winter. However, it's not okay to go outside unprotected from the cold! Take smart precautions and enjoy winter walks.

• Dress your dog in functional and stylish clothing: Warm dog clothing is essential for breeds that are sensitive to the cold and for senior dogs. We recommend items with fleece or boa linings, or materials that are windproof. Petopop offers a wide variety of designs that combine ease of movement with stylish design. Be sure to find the perfect piece for your beloved dog. Make winter outings even more fun with warm Petopop items !
• Choose the best time to go for a walk: Choose the warmest time of day to go for a walk. It is best to avoid the early morning and nighttime when it is very cold.
• Don't forget to take care of your dog's paws: Cold asphalt can cause dry, cracked paws. After a walk, gently clean them with warm water and treat them with a moisturizing cream.

3. Support from the inside of your body! "Inner Care"

It is important to support your health from within, not just from the outside.

• Keep your dog hydrated: The dry air in winter can make it easy for your dog to become dehydrated without even realizing it. Make sure your dog has access to fresh water at all times. Adding a little warm water to their dry food can also be effective.
• A balanced diet: Your pet needs good protein and energy to survive the cold winter. It's a good idea to top your pet's diet with small amounts of warming ingredients, but be sure to consult your veterinarian before doing so.

Summary: Have a warm and comfortable winter with your dog

When it comes to cold weather protection for small dogs, it's important to keep three key points in mind : "inside," "outside," and "inner care." With a little ingenuity, you can protect your dog from the cold of winter and make them feel more comfortable.

This winter, be sure to take all the necessary precautions to protect yourself from the cold and create lots of warm memories with your beloved dog! 💖