[Veterinarian Supervised] Winter cold is your biggest enemy! 3 ways to keep your small dog warm right now

The air has suddenly gotten chilly, and winter is finally here. Just as we start preparing for winter with stylish coats and scarves, our precious family members, especially small dogs that are sensitive to the cold, require special care. "My dog ​​has been shivering a lot lately..." or "He doesn't want to go for walks..." These signs could be a warning sign that he's suffering from the cold. In this article, we'll introduce three key cold weather protection measures for small dogs that you can start putting into practice right away, tailored to Japan's living environment and climate.

Why do small dogs need special winter protection?

You might think, "My dog ​​has fur, so it's fine," but there's actually a reason why small dogs are more susceptible to the cold.

• Body heat escapes easily : Small dogs have a large body surface area relative to their weight, so heat escapes easily from their bodies.
• Cold from the ground : Small dogs live close to the ground, so they are more susceptible to the cold air from the asphalt and floor. In particular, flooring in winter can be colder than you might imagine.
• Less fat and muscle : They have less fat and muscle to keep their bodies warm than larger dogs, so they tend to have less ability to generate their own heat.

For these reasons, it is very important for us as pet owners to be conscious of protecting our dogs from the cold in order to ensure their health and comfort during the winter.

Start today! 3 tips for keeping your small dog warm in the cold

It's not difficult. With a little ingenuity, you can make your dog's winter more comfortable. Let's take a look at three specific measures.

1. Organize your room environment: Pay attention to heating and dryness

Taking precautions indoors is the most basic of basics. You should be especially careful about cold and dryness.

Heating and humidity control
Heating appliances such as air conditioners are essential, but leaving them on can dry out the air and damage your dog's delicate skin and respiratory system. Aim for a room temperature of 20-22°C and a humidity level of 40-60%, and use a humidifier to keep the space comfortable.

Prevents cold and drafts from the floor
Place a warm mat or blanket in your dog's usual spot. A fluffy bed or a dome-shaped house that completely encases the dog's body is also recommended. Drafts from windows and doors are a major cause of lowering the room temperature. Using tape to seal gaps can also be an effective way to prevent cold air from entering.

2. The basic rule for walks is to keep them warm and short.

Walking is an important form of exercise, even in winter. However, don't overdo it. Make sure you don't overcool your body.

Protect your body with functional clothing
For small dogs, winter clothing isn't just fashion. It's an important item for protecting them from the cold wind and snow. Choose clothes that provide both warmth and ease of movement, such as fleece lining or lightweight, warm down material. Petopop's items are designed with functionality in mind, making walks on cold days more enjoyable and safe.

Choose a time and course
When walking your dog, try to choose warmer times of the day when the sun is out. It's best to avoid the cold early mornings and nights. It's also a good idea to use dog boots and paw cream to protect your dog's paws from the cold asphalt.

3. Take care of yourself from the inside out with good diet and hydration

Taking care of your body from the inside as well as the outside is essential to maintaining your health in winter.

Staying hydrated is especially important in winter
Dogs tend to drink less water when it's cold, but they lose fluids without even realizing it when indoors with the heater on. If your dog doesn't drink much water, try soaking their food in lukewarm water or using wet food to help them naturally get more fluids.

Food that warms the body
Energy is needed to keep the body warm. One way to do this is to feed your pet a little more food than usual or introduce ingredients that are expected to have a warming effect on the body (consult your veterinarian). Even just warming the food slightly to body temperature will aid digestion and help warm the body from the inside.

Summary: A warm and happy winter with your dog

Here are three easy ways to keep your small dog warm in the cold .

1. Room environment : Be careful of cold and dry floors!
2. Tips for walking : Warm clothing and choosing the right time are key!
3. Food and water : Boost your immunity from the inside out!

Small considerations can protect your beloved dog from the harsh winter cold and lead to healthy and comfortable days. Petopop helps make winter more enjoyable and warmer for you and your dog through functional and stylish items. We hope you will find the perfect winter items for you and your dog.