A winter tail
Barge Beagle – sniffing out good finds for crews with canines. This month: winter wear.
IN THE cold of winter our dogs can suffer just much as us humans. Whether on or off the water, keeping warm and being protected against bitter winds, snow and ice is paramount and easy to achieve.
Most is common sense and no different to what we would do for ourselves but here are a few ideas and guidelines to help.
There are numerous dog jackets available both from high street retailers and online stores. Taking your dog along to a store is the best way to ensure a good fit.
Look out for wind and waterproof materials and easy fastenings – the last thing one wants to do in freezing weather is to fiddle about with tricky catches, buttons and belts. Velcro fastenings are quick and efficient and, should your dog get tangled while off lead exploring, make it easy for them to get out of if caught in undergrowth or hedgerows.
With long dark winter evenings in full swing the creative among us may wish to make their dog a unique jacket. Barge Beagle was lucky enough to have a hand-knitted pullover created for him last winter. The creator used oddments of wool to make the bespoke colour scheme. Search the internet for ideas – or to make a fabric jacket simply use your dog’s existing jacket as a pattern.
Paws for thought
Keeping the fur between your dog’s pads short and neat will help to prevent ice balls forming which can be extremely uncomfortable. There are lotions available to treat your dog’s pads, keeping them moisturised to avoid drying out. A less expensive way is good old-fashioned Vaseline – apply to pads just before leaving on a walk to avoid your dog licking it off.
Arriving back to your boat, ensure your dog’s feet are cleaned in warm water to remove any impurities or salt from the roads, a good towelling off and a nice warm fire will soon see your dog in the land of nod. A hot water bottle in a comfy cover may be beneficial although care must be taken, do not use boiling water and make sure your dog is not going to chew on it.
In low light and darkness consider a high-visibility, fluorescent jacket, or one with reflective panels or binding. There are many different light accessories now available, battery-powered collars (some can even be recharged via a USB connection) and tags which flash in an array of multicolours. Alternatively, a simple reflective armband wound around your dog’s collar or tied to his lead can prove a more cost-effective choice.
Finally please be cautious at this time of the year on all waterways. If under way ensure your dog is wearing a lifejacket and/or keep them inside when possible. Walking along any water frontage should be undertaken with care particularly during periods of extreme cold. Slippery surfaces combined with icy water can result in accidents; being vigilant is paramount.
Hopefully by following some of these simple guidelines we can help keep winter tails wagging well into spring!