[Veterinarian-supervised] Cold weather protection for small dogs! 3 essential points to protect your dog from the winter cold

The bitterly cold weather has arrived. Just as we humans wrap ourselves in coats and scarves, our beloved dogs, especially small breeds, need special cold weather protection. Many pet owners are probably worried, "Is my dog ​​cold?"

In fact, small dogs live close to the ground, and many breeds have difficulty maintaining body temperature, so the cold winter weather is a major enemy for them. Japanese homes, in particular, often have cold floors and are prone to drafts. In this article, the Petopop editorial team, under the supervision of a veterinarian, will thoroughly explain three key cold weather tips for small dogs that you can start using right away!

Why are small dogs more susceptible to the cold?

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

• Close to the ground: It is easily exposed to cold radiative cooling from the ground.
• Large body surface area relative to body weight: Body heat tends to escape easily.
• Less fat and muscle: They tend to have a lower ability to produce and maintain heat than larger dogs.

Single-coated dog breeds (those with one layer of fur) such as Chihuahuas, Toy Poodles, and Italian Greyhounds are particularly vulnerable to the cold, so care should be taken.

3 ways to protect your dog from the cold in winter that you can do right now!

From here, we will introduce specific cold weather protection measures divided into three scenarios: "walks," "indoor environment," and "dry care."

Point 1: When walking, the key is "time" and "clothing"

Walking is an important form of exercise even in winter. However, if you don't take precautions against the cold, it can make your dog sick.

Choose a warm time

Avoid early morning and nighttime walks when it is coldest, and instead choose a time during the day when the sun is out and it is relatively warm. Exposing your dog to sunlight will help change his mood.

Use functional dog wear

The old saying that "dogs don't need clothes" is no longer true. Especially for small dogs, winter dog clothing is not just a fashion statement, but an important item that protects their lives. Use warm clothes with fleece or boa linings, or windproof nylon vests. Petopop's stylish and functional items that can be layered are a great help for small dogs that have difficulty regulating their body temperature.

Point 2: Don't let your guard down even indoors! How to create a "comfortable bed"

Even in a heated room, the floor where dogs spend their time can be surprisingly cold. Cold flooring in particular can directly transmit the cold to their bodies.

Prepare a dome bed and blankets

Get your pet a dome-shaped bed that will snuggle them snugly, a fluffy blanket, or simply place their sleeping area away from windows and doors and away from drafts.

Place a mat on the floor

In areas where your dog spends a lot of time, such as the living room, place a cork mat or thick rug to prevent the floor from getting cold. This also has the effect of preventing slipping, and reduces strain on the dog's joints.

Point 3: Moisturizing care to protect against winter dryness

Another enemy of winter is dryness. Heating the air dries out the air, and just like humans, your dog's skin and paws can become dry and flaky.

Maintain proper humidity with a humidifier

Ideally, indoor humidity should be kept between 50% and 60%. Use a humidifier appropriately to maintain a comfortable environment. This also helps prevent viruses.

Moisturizing care for paws

After walking on cold asphalt, your dog's paws can become dry and prone to cracking. When you get back from your walk, we recommend gently wiping them off with warm water and applying a moisturizing cream for pets.

summary

There's nothing special about keeping small dogs warm in the cold.

1. Walking: Choose a warm time and dress your dog in functional clothing
2. Indoors: Prepare a warm bed to prevent cold floors
3. Care: Maintain humidity and keep paws moist

By simply keeping these three points in mind, your beloved dog will be able to spend the winter much more comfortably. Please observe your dog's behavior carefully and find the best cold weather protection for your dog. Petopop offers many warm and cute items to make winter outings even more enjoyable.