[Veterinarian-supervised] Cold weather protection for small dogs! 3 tips for winter walks and indoors

The bitterly cold weather has arrived. While we're cozying up inside, our beloved dogs may be feeling the cold. The cold winter weather can be tougher than you might imagine, especially for small dogs that are close to the ground. The cold floor and sudden temperature changes during walks can make them sick.

Even if you think, "My dog ​​is fine, so it's okay," you may be accumulating stress without realizing it. So today, under the supervision of a veterinarian, the Petopop editorial team will introduce three cold weather tips for small dogs that you can start putting into practice right away. It's packed with tips to help your beloved dog spend the winter comfortably and healthily!

Why are small dogs more susceptible to the cold?

First of all, why are small dogs vulnerable to the cold? There are three reasons.

• Large body surface area: Because the body surface area per unit of body weight is large, body heat tends to escape easily.
• Being close to the ground: You are more likely to be directly affected by the cold radiation cooling from the ground, making your stomach more likely to get cold.
• Less fat: They tend to have less subcutaneous fat, which helps keep the body warm, than larger dogs.

It is said that single-coated dog breeds (without undercoat), such as Chihuahuas, Toy Poodles, and Italian Greyhounds, are particularly susceptible to the cold. Observe your dog carefully and take measures early.

3 tips to keep your dog warm in the cold right now!

From here on, we will explain specific measures focusing on three points: "indoors," "walks," and "care."

1. Indoors: Don't overlook the cold coming from your feet

The biggest enemies indoors in winter are the cold coming from the floor and drafts coming in through windows and doors. Dogs live much closer to the floor than humans, so they get colder than we realize.

First, create a "warm base" in the place your dog usually spends time. We recommend laying down a thick fleece or boa blanket, or placing a dog bed with a wall that will keep out the cold air. It's also important to avoid placing the bed or mat near a window or door, where drafts can easily get in.

2. Walking: Choosing clothes that are both stylish and functional

Not taking your dog for a walk just because it's cold can lead to lack of exercise and stress. It's important to dress your dog in warm, functional clothing when taking them for a walk in the winter.

When choosing, look for "warmth" and "ease of movement." Choose a design that provides ample coverage, especially around the stomach and chest, where important organs like the heart and lungs are located. Jackets with fleece or boa linings and windproof nylon exteriors are not only stylish but also highly functional. Stretchy materials will not restrict movement, even when running around energetically. Coveralls that completely cover the body are also a safe choice on cold or snowy days.

3. Care: Winter dryness is the cause of skin problems

The cold isn't the only problem in winter. Heating appliances can make the air inside your home drier than you might imagine, and just like humans, your dog's skin can become dry and flaky. Dry skin can also lead to dandruff, itching, and dermatitis.

As a countermeasure, first try using a humidifier to keep the humidity level in the room at 40% to 60%. Also, choose a mild shampoo containing moisturizing ingredients, and be careful not to overwash. Brushing your dog frequently to promote blood circulation also contributes to healthy skin. Healthy skin and coat also act as a natural coat to protect the body from the cold.

summary

Protecting your small dog from the cold doesn't have to be something special. Just by keeping in mind three basic things - providing a warm place for them to sleep, dressing them on walks, and making sure they stay dry - you can make a big difference in how comfortable your dog is in winter. Shivering or constantly curling up may be signs that they're cold. Observe your dog's behavior carefully and adopt measures that are suited to your dog so you can spend a warm winter together. Be sure to check out Petopop's items , such as functional and stylish winter wear and comfortable beds, that will enrich your life with your dog.