[Veterinarian-Supervised] No more guesswork! 3 essential tips for keeping your small dog warm in the winter🧣

The freezing cold of winter is a harsher season than you might imagine, not only for us humans but also for our beloved family members, dogs, especially small breeds.

"I wonder if my dog ​​is cold?" "What measures should I take?" To help pet owners with these concerns, the Petopop editorial team will provide a thorough explanation of cold weather measures for small dogs!

After reading this article, you'll learn three important tips to protect your dog from the cold that you can start putting into practice today.

Don't miss your dog's "It's cold!" sign

Dogs can't speak, so they send signals with their bodies. If you see them doing these things, it might be a sign that they're cold.

• Her body is curled up tight and trembling
• Reluctant to move from their favorite spot
• Doesn't want to go for walks or wants to go home right away
• Ears and toes feel cold to the touch

If any of these apply to you, it's time to review your cold weather protection measures!

[Point 1] Creating a good room environment: Warmth and moisture are key🏠

The room environment in which you spend long periods of winter is a fundamental measure to protect against the cold. In particular, in Japanese homes, you need to be careful of "cold air coming from the floor" and "dryness caused by heating."

Shuts out cold air and drafts from the floor

Small dogs live much closer to the floor than humans, so they feel the cold of the flooring directly. Warm air accumulates on top and cold air accumulates on the bottom, so their feet are particularly susceptible to getting cold.

• Solution 1: Place a thick rug or insulating mat in areas where your dog usually stays.
• Countermeasure 2: Don't place the bed directly on the floor; choose one that is a little higher or a dome-shaped one that you can crawl into.
• Solution 3: Since drafts are likely to enter areas near windows and doors, move your bed closer to the center of the room.

Keep the room temperature comfortable and don't forget to take measures against dryness

While it's important to keep the room warm with heating, it also makes the air increasingly dry. Dryness can lead to skin problems and respiratory problems in dogs. It's best to use a humidifier to keep the humidity at 50-60%.

In particular, you want to choose beds and blankets that your dog will come into direct contact with that are warm and soft to the touch. Petopop offers a wide range of items for such discerning pet owners.

[Point 2] Getting ready to go out: Choosing your clothes wisely and tips for walking✨

Many dogs love to go for walks even in the cold. However, the sudden temperature difference between the outside and the warmth of the room can put a strain on their bodies. Make good use of their clothes to make winter walks more enjoyable!

For single-coated dog breeds like Chihuahuas and Toy Poodles, or for those with low body fat, winter clothing is now an essential item. The key is to choose clothing that is functional as well as stylish.

• Choose by material: We recommend items with fleece or boa linings, or light, warm down-like vests.
• Choose based on shape: The cold from the ground can easily reach your stomach, so choose a design that covers your stomach well.
• Tip: Simply warming up the front porch a little just before you go for a walk can help reduce the strain (heat shock) on your dog's body caused by the sudden change in temperature.

[Point 3] Care from the inside: Hydration and health checks

It's easy to overlook, but winter is a season when pets tend to drink less water. However, indoors, heated rooms can cause pets to lose fluids without even realizing it. It's important to make sure your pet has access to fresh water at all times, and it's also effective to soften their dry food a little in hot water.

By keeping your body warm and healthy, you can help build a strong body that can withstand the cold.

Summary: A little ingenuity can make winter more comfortable

Let's review three points to keep in mind when preparing your dog for winter.

1. Home: Prevent the floor from getting cold and keep the space comfortable with heating and a humidifier.
2. Going out: Enjoy a walk without getting a cold stomach in functional clothing.
3. Body: Stay hydrated and build a body that can withstand the cold.

With a little ingenuity and a little love from you, spending winter with your dog can be more fun and safe. Why not start today to help your precious family member survive the winter in good health?