[Veterinarian-supervised] Protect your beloved dog from the cold in winter! 3 tips for keeping your small dog warm

Winter has arrived in earnest! While we humans can't do without our coats and scarves, this season is actually even harsher for our small family members, especially small dogs. Small dogs are easily affected by the cold air coming from the ground, and it's not uncommon for them to become ill in the cold. Many owners are probably worried, wondering, "Will my dog ​​be okay?"

So today, under the supervision of a veterinarian, the Petopop editorial team will provide a thorough explanation of three tips for keeping your small dog warm and cozy this winter! Armed with the right knowledge, you and your beloved dog can spend a warm and comfortable winter together.

Point 1: Warm clothing is a must when walking in winter!

You may think that dogs don't get cold because they have fur, but in fact, single-coated dog breeds (without undercoat) such as Chihuahuas, Toy Poodles, and Italian Greyhounds, as well as small puppies and senior dogs, are very susceptible to the cold.

The cold winter wind and the cold from the ground can mercilessly rob your dog of body heat, so functional dog wear is essential for walks.

• Highly insulating materials: Items with fleece or boa linings are warm and comfortable.
• Windproof and waterproof: It's reassuring to have an outer layer that can protect you from the cold wind and keep you from getting wet in sudden snow or rain.
• Perfect size: If it's too big, cold air will get in through the gaps, and if it's too small, it will be difficult for your dog to move around and cause poor circulation. Be sure to measure your dog's size before choosing.

For pet owners who don't know what clothes to choose, we recommend Petopop items, which combine design and functionality. These stylish clothes will make winter walks even more fun!

Point 2: Don't let your guard down even indoors! Creating an environment that protects you from the cold

Even after your dog comes back from a walk, keeping them warm doesn't end there. In fact, there are many "cold spots" lurking indoors for your dog.

In particular, hardwood floors get colder than humans realize, and because small dogs live close to the ground, they are directly affected by this.

• A warm place to sleep: Place your pet's bed in a warm area of ​​the room, away from drafts like windows or doors. Adding fluffy blankets and cushions can also help.
• Use mats and carpets: Place mats or carpets in areas where your dog spends a lot of time to keep out the cold air from the floor.
• Pet heaters: Pet-specific heated carpets and heaters are convenient, but you need to be careful about low-temperature burns. Don't use them in the same place for long periods of time, and set the temperature low.

Point 3: Protect your delicate skin with measures to prevent dryness that are often overlooked

Dryness is often overlooked when it comes to winter cold prevention. Heated indoor air tends to be dry, robbing your dog's skin, fur, and even their precious paws of moisture.

Dryness can cause skin problems such as dandruff, itching, and cracking. Take the following measures to keep your skin moisturized.

• Use a humidifier: Ideally, keep the humidity in the room between 40% and 60%. Place the humidifier in a safe place where your dog cannot come into direct contact with it.
• Moisturizing care for paws: After a walk, wipe off any dirt with a wet towel and gently massage in a pet moisturizing cream.
• Be careful not to shampoo too much: In winter, it's a good idea to shampoo less frequently. Over-washing can strip away the oils your skin needs to protect itself.

Summary: Don't miss your dog's signs and get through the winter!

This time, we introduced three key points for winter cold weather protection for small dogs: "clothing for walks," "indoor environment," and "dry care." The most important thing is to carefully observe your dog's condition every day. Signs such as "shivering" or "curling up and not moving" may be evidence that your dog is feeling the cold.

With the right cold weather protection measures, you can help your beloved dog stay healthy and happy even in winter! Petopop supports the daily lives of pet owners and their beloved dogs.