[Veterinarian Supervised] Survive the Japanese Winter! Three Golden Rules for Keeping Small Dogs Warm Against the Cold

The bitter cold of winter is upon us. We humans can't do without our coats and scarves, but did you know that our beloved dogs, who are part of our family, especially small breeds, are more susceptible to the cold than we are?

"My dog ​​has been shivering lately..." "He seems cold and doesn't want to go for walks..."

You can almost hear the worried voices of pet owners. Just seeing your beloved dog struggling to endure the cold with its small body is heartbreaking. In particular, Japanese homes tend to have cold floors and drafts easily get in. So, in this article, we'll introduce three specific cold weather measures you can take right now to protect your beloved dog from the winter cold.

Point 1: Protect from the "invisible cold" in your room

You may think that it's safe indoors because the heater is on, but in fact, warm air tends to rise and cold air tends to fall. This means that there is a greater temperature difference than you might imagine between the height at which we feel comfortable and the area near the floor where small dogs spend their time.

In particular, wooden floors can directly rob your dog of heat and cause "chills under the floor." Provide your dog with a thick blanket or a fluffy dome-shaped bed in areas where he or she regularly spends time. Simply moving the bed away from windows and doors can also help prevent drafts.

• Countermeasures:
  • Install a pet mat or bed with good heat retention
  • Cover the cage or playpen with a blanket to keep out the cold air.
  • Use pet hot water bottles and heaters safely

Point 2: Make your walks even more enjoyable! The magic of "warm clothing"

Even in winter, walks are an important way for your dog to relax and get some exercise. However, for dogs that don't like the cold, it can be a painful experience. That's where cold weather clothing for dogs comes in handy.

Warm clothing is an essential item, especially for single-coated dog breeds like Chihuahuas and Toy Poodles, as well as puppies and older dogs who have difficulty regulating their body temperature. We recommend layering a fleece inner layer with a windproof outer layer, adjusting your clothing to suit the temperature of the day. With stylish and functional Petopop items , walks on cold days are sure to be comfortable and enjoyable.

• Countermeasures:
  • Choose warm clothing with fleece or boa linings
  • On rainy or snowy days, wear layers of waterproof and windproof outerwear.
  • Choose a design that covers your stomach and legs well.

Point 3: Beware of dryness in winter! Inner care to maintain moisture

The cold isn't the only problem in winter. The air inside a heated room is very dry. This dryness can damage your dog's skin, coat, and even paws.

It's important to take good care of your dog's paws before they develop dry dandruff or cracked paws. Using a humidifier to maintain the appropriate humidity level in the room is a good idea, and applying paw care cream after walks is also effective. Also, don't forget to keep your dog hydrated from the inside out by making sure they have fresh water available at all times.

• Countermeasures:
  • Use a humidifier to keep the humidity in the room at 50-60%
  • After a walk, wash your feet with warm water and apply moisturizing cream.
  • Promote frequent hydration

Stay warm with your dog this winter with these perfect precautions

Winter in Japan can be harsh for small dogs. However, with just a little attention from the owner, the burden on the dog can be greatly reduced. By paying attention to three points - indoor environment, clothing for walks, and dry care - you can support your beloved family member so that he or she can stay full of energy even in winter.

Petopop helps your dog stay comfortable during the winter.
We will help you with items that combine design and functionality.