[Veterinarian Supervised] Are these cold weather measures for small dogs really enough? 3 Tips to Solve Winter Problems

As the days get colder, seeing your beloved dog shivering can make you worry, "Is he cold?" Small dogs, such as Chihuahuas, Toy Poodles, and Miniature Dachshunds, are particularly susceptible to the effects of the cold because of their small size and the fact that they are closer to the ground.

We tend to think, "It's fine because the heater is on" or "It's perfect because they're dressed," but there are actually some points that are easy to overlook. This time, the Petopop editorial team, under the supervision of a veterinarian, will introduce three tips for keeping small dogs warm in the Japanese winter. With the right knowledge, you and your beloved dog can spend a warm and comfortable winter together!

Tip 1: The key to keeping warm in your room is your feet and your bed

During the winter, we spend most of our time in our rooms. Even with the heater on, warm air tends to accumulate at the top, and areas close to the floor are surprisingly cold. Small dogs live much closer to the floor than humans, so special care must be taken to keep their feet cool.

• Mats or rugs on flooring: The coldness of flooring can directly rob small dogs of body heat. Simply placing a non-slip rug or cork mat in areas where your dog spends a lot of time can effectively prevent their feet from getting cold.
• Keep your pet's sleeping area warm and enclosed: If their sleeping area is in an open area, drafts can take away their body heat. Prepare a "nest"-like space that prevents heat from escaping, such as a dome-shaped bed or an enclosed area with a fluffy blanket. You want your pet to sleep soundly in a warm and secure place.

Tip 2: Make winter walks more fun by choosing the right clothes and taking care of your dog's paws!

If you don't take your dog for a walk just because it's cold, it can lead to lack of exercise and stress. Winter walks can be a great way to refresh your dog's mind if you prepare them properly. The key is to wear functional clothing and take care of their paws, which are often overlooked.

• Choose dog clothes based on functionality: For small dogs, winter clothing is not only stylish but also important for keeping them warm. We recommend choosing clothes that are suited to the weather of the day, such as those with fleece or boa linings for warmth, or those with windbreaker functionality for windy days. The right clothes will reduce strain on the heart and joints. Be sure to check out Petopop's functional and stylish items that will make walks even more enjoyable.
• Protect your dog's paws from cold asphalt: Freezing cold asphalt in winter can be a big burden on your dog's delicate paws, causing them to dry out, crack, and become chapped. Make it a habit to apply moisturizing paw cream and gently wipe away dirt before and after walks.

Tip 3: An unexpected blind spot! Protect your skin and throat from "dryness caused by heating"

Heating appliances are essential for keeping a room warm. However, air conditioners and heaters strip moisture from the air, making the room very dry. Did you know that this dryness can affect not only humans but also dogs' skin and respiratory systems?

• Keep the humidity level high with a humidifier: Humans find humidity levels comfortable at 50-60%, but if you leave the heater on all the time, the humidity can drop below 30%. Dryness can cause skin problems like dandruff and itching. Use a humidifier in the room your dog spends time in to maintain the appropriate humidity level.
• Don't forget to hydrate: Dry air also causes more water to evaporate from the body. It's important to make sure your pet has fresh water available at all times, and it's also a good idea to add a little warm water to their dry food or use wet food to help them get more moisture through their diet.

What do you think? With a little ingenuity and knowledge, you can protect your beloved dog from the cold of winter. Please observe your dog carefully and find the measures that are best suited to your pet. Petopop hopes that all dogs and their owners will be able to spend this winter with a smile on their faces.