[Explained by a professional] 3 essential points for keeping small dogs warm in the cold!

As the air gets colder, we can feel the winter approaching. Just as we start preparing for winter in style, now is an important time to think about how to keep our beloved dogs, especially small breeds, warm in the cold.

Because small dogs have smaller bodies, their body heat escapes more easily than larger dogs, making them more susceptible to the cold. In this article, the Petopop editorial team will thoroughly explain three essential cold weather measures to help your dog stay warm and comfortable during the winter, including some points to note that are unique to Japanese winters!

Tip 1: Don't let your guard down even indoors! Indoor cold weather precautions

You might think, "It's okay because it's warm indoors," but in fact, even heated rooms can have dangerous "cold spots" for small dogs. You should be especially careful of cold spots coming from the floor or drafts near windows.

Provide a warm place to sleep:
Make sure to keep your dog's bed, where it spends the most time, especially warm. We recommend a fleece blanket with excellent heat retention or a dome-shaped bed that completely envelops the dog's body. Make sure to avoid placing your dog's bed near a window or door where drafts can easily get in.

Maintain proper temperature and humidity control:
Heating appliances tend to dry out the air, which can put strain on your dog's skin and respiratory system. Maintain a comfortable room temperature (around 20°C), and use a humidifier to keep the humidity at 40% to 60%. This is extremely important to protect your dog's delicate skin.

Point 2: Dressing up your dog for winter walks is the new normal! How to protect your dog from the cold when going out

Even in winter, walks are an important way for your dog to relax and get some exercise. However, the sudden temperature difference between inside and outside puts a lot of strain on the body. Clothing is a must-have item to protect your dog from the cold.

Choose functional dog clothing:
It's important that your clothes aren't just cute, but also functional and provide excellent protection. Choose clothes with fleece or boa linings, or made from windproof materials. We especially recommend designs that protect your stomach from the cold. If you're looking for stylish and functional clothing, be sure to check out Petopop's items .

Time your walks differently:
Early mornings and nights are the coldest times of the day, so with a little ingenuity, such as choosing to take your dog for a walk during the warmer hours of the day, you can greatly reduce the strain on your dog.

Tip 3: Don't forget to take care of the parts you can't see! Winter health care

The cold weather not only directly chills the body, but also has various effects on your dog's health. The key to helping your dog survive the winter in good health is to observe and care for it daily.

Hydration and dryness care:
In winter, dogs tend to drink less water because they are less likely to feel thirsty. It's important to make sure they have fresh water available at all times, and it's also effective to soften their dry food with hot water. It's also a good idea to use moisturizing cream to prevent cracked paws due to dryness.

Don't miss the signs that it's cold:
Dogs cannot speak, so it is important for owners to notice signs that they are cold. If you notice your dog curling up into a ball, shivering, or not wanting to go for walks , it may be a sign that they are feeling cold. Check their indoor environment and clothing.

What do you think? With a little ingenuity and preparation, your beloved dog can spend the winter safer and more comfortably. Please use the three points introduced here as a reference and spend a warm and enjoyable winter with your beloved dog, your precious member of the family.