Everybody knows that hot air rises, which is bad news if you are a little dog! All the nasty cold wet weather accumulates at ground level, just waiting to freeze the feet off mini-Fido.

The good news is that keeping little dogs warm doesn't have to be expensive. Simply keep them moving, keep them dry and keep them well nourished. If they have smooth or short coats treat them the same way that you would a greyhound or a whippet in winter get them a lined, waterproof dog jacket for outdoor exercise.

Exercise generates muscular heat and keeps the blood circulating, both of which are essential if you don't want a shivery, whimpering, whining companion. Actually this applies to children and spouses too!

So step up the pace and don't dawdle, aim for you both to get slightly out of breath by having a brisk walk. Take a toy to throw to your dog for him to get even warmer, if that's what he likes to do. Have a little spontaneous fun-run, downhill or across a corner of the park (when nobody is looking!) nothing too sporty but just a little moment of lighthearted yee-har', that will raise your heart beat nicely, whatever your age or fitness level. The fun of it will also keep you both feeling happy so you won't feel the cold so much.

Food helps generate internal warmth so split their daily meal into two small feeds. It will be the same calorie intake but doubles the benefits of the calories. If you want to really pamper your pooch you can add a few tablespoons of hot water to their meat to warm it up. I know some ladies who even serve up hot meat and vegetables to their dogs but personally I don't like cooking that much.

Keep a nice big dry towel handy for drying your dog immediately after walks. There's nothing worse than damp hair to make you feel miserable. Don't feel obliged to keep bathing them as this strips their natural waterproofing oils from their coat, which they won't thank you for!

At home you can keep the little fellow warm by giving him a raised bed, off the floor so that he doesn't get any drafts from under the door. Buy or make a homemade igloo style kennel you only need a cushion in a sturdy cardboard box and a nice small throw over the top for a discreet draft proof indoor kennel. Alternatively, if you've got the room and aren't too houseproud give them their own armchair to curl up in.

Learn more about this author, Sarah J Palmer.
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