[Veterinarian-supervised] Cold weather protection for small dogs! 3 tips to protect your dog indoors and on walks

The bitterly cold winters in Japan continue. We humans can't do without our coats and scarves, but did you know that small dogs, who are smaller and live closer to the ground, are more susceptible to the cold than we are?

Even if you think, "My dog ​​is indoors, so it's fine," your dog may become ill without you realizing it, or the cold may cause stress. Petopop will introduce "3 cold weather protection measures" that you can start using today to help your beloved dog stay healthy and comfortable this winter!

Tip 1: Don't let your guard down even when indoors! Measures to prevent cold from the floor

The most important thing to be careful of indoors in winter is cold air coming from the floor. Warm air rises and cold air falls, so the floor is colder than humans realize. Small dogs, whose bodies are close to the ground, are directly exposed to this cold, which can cause stomach problems and a weakened immune system.

The solution is very simple. First, place a fluffy dog ​​bed or thick blanket in the place where your dog usually spends time. Just having your dog's own warm "hideout" will help him feel safe and relaxed. Also, if you have a living room with wooden floors, simply laying down a rug or carpet can significantly block out the cold air coming up from the floor.

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

Suddenly going from a warm room to the cold outdoors can put a lot of strain on small dogs. Warm clothing is especially important for single-coated breeds (no undercoat) like Chihuahuas and Toy Poodles, as well as senior dogs whose body temperature regulation functions are declining.

The key to choosing clothes is to look for ones that provide ample coverage and are easy to move in . Fleece materials and down-style vests are popular. Some kids don't like wearing clothes, but protecting their bodies from the cold is key to maintaining their health. If you're not sure what clothes to choose, be sure to check out Petopop's items, which offer both excellent design and functionality.

Point 3: Winter "dryness" and "hydration" - something that is surprisingly easy to overlook

When using heating appliances such as air conditioners, the air inside the home becomes very dry. This can affect not only our skin but also the skin and fur of dogs, causing dandruff and itching.

Use a humidifier in the room to keep the humidity at 40% to 60% . Also, since your pet will get thirsty more easily in a heated room, make sure they have fresh water available at all times. For pets that don't drink much water, we recommend giving them slightly lukewarm water, which will help them hydrate without cooling their body.

Summary: Enjoy winter with your dog by taking the right cold weather precautions!

Let's take a look at three important points to keep in mind when keeping small dogs warm in the cold.

• In your room: Use a bed or rug to prevent the floor from getting cold.
• On walks: Wear warm clothing to protect against sudden temperature changes
• Health care: Humidify and hydrate to prevent dryness

With just a little ingenuity and care, your beloved dog can stay comfortable and healthy all winter long. Why not start preparing for winter with Petopop, a fun way to care for your beloved dog, a precious member of your family?