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No matter the weather or how many dogs you have, there are walks and work to be done; sometimes, water will be involved. Wet, cold, and freezing conditions make it more challenging and time-consuming to complete daily tasks, especially those involving dogs. Here are some products and tips to help make the wet winter chores a bit more enjoyable, warmer, and safer for you and your pets.
Thermal and Waterproof Gloves
Keep your hands toasty and dry with the DS Safety Men’s Waterproof Thermal Winter Work Gloves.
Insulated, No-Slip Boots
You’ll need comfortable, insulated, and waterproof boots with a no-slip bottom or good tread, such as the Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Wide Hiking Shoe. Taking care of dogs properly is hard work, and you are on your feet a lot. It is always good to spend a little extra to stay comfortable and dry.
Waterproof Socks
Waterproof SocksBelieve it or not, there are socks that keep your feet from being stinky, wet, painful, and pruned by the end of the work day! Try waterproof socks from RANDY SUN.
Full-Coverage Hat
We can’t forget about keeping our heads and ears warm. You might try wearing a hat that covers your ears and/or a face covering, like this mysuntown winter trapper hat. If you change the type of hat you wear every few days, it will bring more enrichment to your dogs. They might even think you are someone else at a quick glance. I do not recommend wearing scarves in a kennel. You don’t want to become a tug toy!
Ice Cleats
For washing down outside runs or taking the pack for a walk, ice cleats, like these Crampons grips for boots, are a good idea to keep you safe and upright.
Durable Rain Gear
For those really wet days, put on a set of winter rain gear, such as the Frogg Toggs Ultra-lite2 Rain Suit. Keeping yourself dry is the key to staying warm during wet winter chores.
Boot and Glove Dryer
Our pets always require care, so be ready for tomorrow with a boot and glove dryer! There is a wide range of dryers to choose from, including the DryGuy Solutions to All Your Wet & Sweaty Shoes, Force Dry DX + Travel Boot Warmer. There are ones that work on leather, rubber, canvas, fleece, and even ones that utilize the forced air heating from your home’s floor heat vents.
Scraper
For those really cold days, don’t break your back while trying to get frozen waste off the ground or concrete. Use a 7-inch steel scraper with a 48-inch wooden handle to make it easier for you to get the chore done. You can also use a pet-safe ice melt to help out in the really icy spots.
Heated Dog Bowls or Buckets
Dogs must always have fresh, clean drinking water; that is why there is nothing more frustrating or hard on your back than having to break up ice on a cold day. In outside exercise or play areas, it is always good to have heated water bowls or buckets, such as the K&H Pet Products Thermal-Bowl Outdoor Heated Dog Bowl.
This is a great way to be able to provide fresh, clean drinking water for your dog(s) during cold weather. Make sure any cords are protected, and there is no risk that your dogs might chew the cord when you use an approved electric conduit pipe to cover any exposed cords.
Warm Beverages
Enjoy a nice cup of something warm and a cuddle with the dogs. We all know you will be hard at it again tomorrow, so take a moment and have a sip of tea or coffee in an AKC mug with your favorite breed on it.