|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COPING WITH CANINE BEDTIME BLUES |
|
|
In a recent edition of the newsletter, Penny Gayler’s advice column focused on coping with bath time for dogs. Next, she turned her attention to making bedtime comfortable. As far as Freya is concerned, the ONLY place to sleep is on the sofa cuddled up with my husband, John. However, sometimes it is just not appropriate, especially after a muddy walk. She has to settle for something else. I am a great fan of vet bedding, more properly known as green backed veterinary bedding. It has fleece on the top and a waterproof backing. When I put a bit of it on my floor, Freya and the rest of the gang will be competing to use it. Because it is easy to wash and tumble-dry, it is back in use in no time – the bedding that is - not the dog! I buy all mine from www.profleece.co.uk, Tel 0800 783367. With just one telephone call and a credit card, it will be with you in a couple of days. It comes in various shades to match any colour scheme – including mud – and for me it is unbeatable. You can now also buy vet bedding with a rubber backing in a variety of colours and with a paw print pattern from www.bronteglen.co.uk, Tel 01274 394307. I have a variety of solid plastic beds in which the dogs love to curl up. Not only does it protect them from draughts; it also protects my walls from them. All my beds have come second hand. A quick rummage through a car boot sale or a trip to one of the many second hand shops in the area, and you are almost certain to pick one up at a fraction of the original cost. New ones are available in most well stocked local pet shops. If you want them to have a non-slip base, buy a carpet type door mat, put a big blob of contact glue in each corner and stick it inside before putting the vet bedding on top. If you prefer a futon type mattress, there are a couple of regular suppliers. Check www.tuffies.co.uk, Tel 01888 563288, and www.kudospetproducts.co.uk, Tel: 01373 825665 for products that are advertised as water-resistant. They hose or pressure wash clean and are quick to dry, ideal for mudlarks. With the advent of superstore pet shops, it is not difficult to find something to suit every dog. If you have a dog that needs a bit of extra comfort and warmth at night, it is possible to buy a heat pad which slides in under the bedding and gives off a gentle heat to ease aching bones. Available from www.petnap.co.uk, Tel 01273 588511, it comes with metal armour around the power cable to prevent it from being chewed. Heidi, my singleton golden retriever puppy, benefited greatly from a Snugglesafe. You pop it into the microwave for a few minutes, place it underneath the bedding and the heat will last a few hours. Heidi soon learned where the warm spot was. With no brothers or sister to cuddle up to, she would sleep happily surrounded by fluffy toys as companions. It is available from many pet shops and online for about £20. Modern fabrics are also useful for keeping dogs warm, especially older dogs. They feel the cold very quickly and, although their daily exercise is a must, you do not want them getting chilled. www.equafleece.co.uk, Tel 0845 2345296, offers a range of dog coats and jumpers. Water-repellent, washable and warm – what more could a dog wish for? When mine have finished a hard days work doing what gun dogs do, and are cold, tired and wet, I rug them up in towelling coats from www.countrymun.co.uk, Tel: 01403 711305. They are thick and absorbent and by the time we have done the one-hour drive home the dogs are warm and dry and ready for their tea. If you are good with knitting needles, it is possible to download a variety of patterns for dog coats from www.laughinghens.com The company is based in Sussex and offer a choice of over 20 patterns to have fun with – Telephone 01435 883777. Walking as I do on country roads with no pavements, it is important that you make yourself highly visible. Ignoring normal protocol, I prefer to walk with my back to the traffic and my dog safely on my left. To make sure we can be seen, the dog I am walking will wear a tabard made from fluorescent material. It also doubles up as a raincoat because it is made of nylon. If you want something a bit more trendy, Equafleece sell neckerchiefs made in florescent fleece that slip on over the dog’s head. Whilst on the subject of being seen, if you walk in fading light or at night, you can now buy a clip-on safety blinker which can be seen for up to half a mile. Available from www.blinkers.co.uk mailing address PO Box 102, Liphook, Hants GU30 7WX. Sorry, they do not give a telephone number. And so, as we all settle down in front of the fire after a
busy day, Freya is blissfully happy, stretched out on the sofa with her
head in John’s lap and I am left wondering if this is what is
really meant by “It’s a dogs life”. |
|