How to Keep a Chihuahua Warm During Winter – Things to Remember!

A Chihuahua is a small dog that needs to be kept warm during winter. Their size means they don’t have a lot of body mass to keep themselves warm during winter. It also means they can get cold very quickly, so it’s important to be aware of these factors while preparing for this season. 

We’ve compiled some tips on how you can best prepare your little friend for winter!

To keep your chihuahua warm during the winter, do the following tips:

1. Insulate their bedroom
2. Dress them for the cold season
3. Layer clothes on them
4. Give extra food and water
5. Be mindful of their paws
6. Warm them up after being outside

To learn more about how to keep your precious little pup safe and cozy this winter, read on!

Why Are Chihuahuas Intolerable of Cold Weather?

The Chihuahua breed originated in Mexico and is a native of hot and arid regions. They are not tolerant to colder environments because they have smaller body mass with thin fur coats, making them more susceptible to the cold weather.

In addition, their short snouts do not allow them to regulate their temperature efficiently, similar to the short nose dogs. Their long, fluffy coats may look like they can keep them warm and cozy but this is not the case. 

Chihuahuas lose more heat through panting and their little paws are very sensitive to cold surfaces. While it might be too late for some Chihuahuas whose bodies have adapted to colder weather, it can still be prevented.

How to Keep a Chihuahua Warm During Winter?

Insulate their Bedroom

Making sure your Chihuahua’s sleeping quarters are warm and insulated is very important. Make sure they have an enclosed space with a door that will block out drafts and cool air from outside.

The walls of their bedroom should be insulated with straw, hay, or cotton. You can also use clothes and blankets to insulate their bedroom as long as you regularly replace them when they get wet or dirty.

Dress Them for the Cold Season

You might find your Chihuahua shivering even if you think it is not cold. To prevent a Chihuahua from shivering, dress them up before going outside!

Their body size is equivalent to that of a human infant, so keep this in mind when picking out clothes and shoes for your little pup. You don’t want to leave them exposed to the cold while they are sleeping or resting inside the house.

You can look for coats, sweaters, and other items that are designed specifically for Chihuahuas at pet shops or online. Just make sure to measure your pup before buying clothes or shoes!

Layer Clothes on Them

The best way to keep a Chihuahua warm during winter is by putting on layers of clothes. For example, you can wear a sweater or sweatshirt and a jacket on top before going outside.

Make sure not to overdo it by putting on too many layers of clothes because this will just make them uncomfortable. You should look for clothes that are soft and durable yet lightweight at the same time. Look for buttons instead of zippers and avoid accessories that might get caught on their fur.

Give Extra Food and Water

When winter comes, you should make sure your Chihuahua’s food and water supply do not go down. Give them more than what they usually eat so they can build up energy to keep themselves warm during cold nights.

They will need more nutrients than usual to maintain their body heat, so you should prepare yourself for a hungry pup!

You should also keep a pot of fresh and clean water near their bed or inside their bedroom at all times. This will give them access to water whenever they feel thirsty.

Be Mindful of Their Paws

Chihuahuas have very small paws compared to other dogs, so they can easily step on ice or snow. Taking cold walks is not advisable as your dog’s paws may get damaged from the cold or stick to the frozen ground. A little bit of snow can get packed in between their paws, making it difficult for them to walk or run freely.

In order for your Chihuahua to step on snow and ice safely, you should attach boots or socks to their paws. These items are available at pet shops and online stores so make sure you get the right size!

Warming Up After Being Outside

An adorable Chihuahua may not want to come inside your house after being outside. When this happens, you should spare a few minutes to warm them up.

You can put on fresh clothes and set up a warm heater or blanket near the entrance of your home, creating an inviting space for your pup. You can reward your Chihuahua with a treat or two after warming up to encourage them for doing their business outside!

Signs Your Chihuahua is Cold

A Chihuahua might shiver, sneeze, and even have chattering teeth when they are cold. However, it is hard to tell if your dog is cold just by looking at them because they will try to keep warm by trembling or hiding under the table.

The easiest way for you to know if your Chihuahua is shivering because of the cold weather is by checking their ears. When a dog’s ears are red and floppy, it probably means that they’re cold!

Aside from their ears, look out for signs like drowsiness or lethargy. Cold air can also damage your Chihuahua’s respiratory system, leading to symptoms like heavy or rapid breathing.

If you notice any of these signs, it might be a good idea to bring your Chihuahua indoors right away!

Conclusion

It is important to take precautions to ensure your Chihuahua is warm even during the coldest months of the year. This means making sure their bedroom is not near an open window and that they have access to fresh water and food every day.

Dressing them up with layers of clothes, insulating their rooms, and giving them a warm space to rest inside your house will make a huge difference when it comes to keeping them safe and warm during the winter.