[Veterinarian Supervised] Winter cold is small dogs' worst enemy! 3 cold weather tips you can start using today

The air has suddenly become colder, and we can feel the full-fledged arrival of winter. We humans can't do without our coats and scarves, but did you know that the cold winter weather can actually be a big burden for our beloved dogs, who are part of our family, especially small breeds?

"He's been shaking a lot lately..." "He doesn't want to go for walks..." "He seems to be getting sick more easily..."

Many pet owners are probably concerned about this. Small dogs have a lower ability to maintain their body temperature than larger dogs, making them very vulnerable to the cold. In this article, supervised by a veterinarian, we will introduce three easy-to-understand ways to keep your small dog warm in the cold that you can start using right away.

Why are small dogs more susceptible to the cold?

The reason small dogs are vulnerable to the cold is due to their body structure. Because their body surface area is large relative to their weight, heat from their bodies easily escapes. Also, because they are close to the ground, they are directly affected by the cold from the floor (chill from the bottom), which is common in Japanese living environments.

Even if your dog is in a heated room, if they are exposed to drafts near a window or sitting on a cold floor, they may lose body heat without even realizing it. Take proper precautions to ensure your dog has a comfortable winter.

3 ways to keep your small dog warm in the cold, starting today!

1. Review your room environment

The first thing to consider is the room environment where your dog spends most of its time. With a little ingenuity, you can dramatically improve comfort.

• Flooring measures: Place rugs or cork mats in areas where your dog spends a lot of time. Simply blocking out the cold air from the floor can make a big difference in the perceived temperature.
• Bed location: Avoid placing your pet's bed near a window or door and move it to a warm, draft-free area.
• Add warm materials: We recommend adding a fluffy blanket to your regular bed or getting a dome-shaped bed that completely envelops you.

2. When walking, the key is "time" and "clothing"

Stopping walks just because it's cold can lead to lack of exercise and stress. With a little ingenuity, winter walks can be safe and fun.

• Choose a warm time of day: The best time to take your dog for a walk is during the day (around 10am-2pm) when the temperature is relatively high. Avoid early mornings or late at night when the sun has set, as your dog's body may get too cold.
• Dress your small dog in functional clothing: Winter dog clothing isn't just for fashion. Lightweight, warm clothing like fleece or down jackets can help prevent your dog's body temperature from dropping. The key is to choose a design that covers your dog's belly. Petopop offers a wide selection of clothing that combines style and functionality.

3. Moisturizing care to protect your dog from winter dryness

The cold isn't the only enemy in winter. Dryness caused by heating can also damage your dog's skin and paws.

• Control the humidity in your room: When using heating, be sure to use a humidifier to maintain an appropriate humidity level (50-60% is a good guideline).
• Paw Care: Cold asphalt and dry air can cause paws to become dry and chapped. To prevent cracking, gently wipe them clean with warm water after each walk and moisturize with pet paw cream.

Summary: Keep your dog warm this winter with these little tricks

Here are three ways to keep small dogs warm in the cold.

1. Room environment improvement (countermeasures against cold floors and drafts)
2. Tips for walking (time of day and warm clothing)
3. Measures against dryness (humidity control and moisturizing care)

All of these are things you can start doing right away. Owners should provide their pets with the proper support to ensure that their pets stay healthy and healthy through the winter.