The Chihuahua Clothes Blog

Keeping Your Chihuahua Warm

Now that winter is fast approaching, the weather is getting much cooler in most areas. This means freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and all that other fun stuff the cold weather brings. For us Chihuahua owners, this also means it’s time to take the necessary steps needed to help keep your Chihuahua warm during these chilly times.

Unfortunately, this breed doesn’t naturally handle cold weather well. There are a couple of different reasons for this, but the main reason comes from their history. The Chihuahua breed originated from the hot climate of Chihuahua, Mexico. In this hot climate, Chihuahuas didn’t need to deal with the cold.

Another reason why Chihuahuas don’t handle the cold well is because of their size. Remember, Chihuahuas are the smallest dog breed on the planet, and being small means their bodies become more affected by cold temperatres than larger dogs.

Well, after reading that, you might feel a little uneasy about this upcoming winter, but don’t worry. In today’s world there are a number of things you can do help a Chihuahua stay warm.

The Basic of Keeping Your Chihuahua Warm
Let me first say that depending on where you live and how cold it is, everyone’s situation may be different. For instance, a Chihuahua in Texas might not need as much help staying cozy as one would need up in Colorado. Use your common sense and be aware of your Chihuahua’s health and comfort level.

One of the main things an owner can do to help their Chihuahua beat the cold is to limit the amount of time they spend outside. As obvious as this sounds, you would be suprised at how many people actually leave their Chihuahuas out in the cold all day.

It’s also a good idea to make your Chihuahua wear a warm sweater, shirt, or even a jacket when they go outside. These extra layers can provide warmth, comfort, and protection from the elements.

While it’s usually colder outside, the indoors can still be extremely cold for a Chihuahua during the winter. Making sure your Chihuahua will be warm indoors is just as important as keeping them warm outside.

Just as we stay warm with blankets, so do our Chihuahuas. Spread some blankets out in your Chihuahua’s bed and wherever they like to spend time at during the day. Chihuahuas love blankets and have a tendency to burrow underneath them for warmth. If you see your Chihuahua burrowing, go ahead and let them, this is a great way for them to keep warm.

Dealing With The Weather
Another part of keeping your Chihuahua warm involves dealing with the weather. If there is snow on the ground, try to clear a path in the yard that your Chihuahua can walk to and from the house. This way you can let them outside to do their business without making your Chihuahua get soaked from the snow.

Also, if it’s raining or snowing, never allow your Chihuahua to spend too much time outside. Their small bodies can get drenched quickly from spending just a couple minutes in the rain or snow, and this can lead to a major drop in body temperature for them. If your Chihuahua does become wet, try to dry them off as quickly as possible with a dry towel.

It’s just natural for Chihuahuas to get more cold than other dogs. However, following these simple steps will help your Chihuahua beat the cold by staying warm.