Army dogs will soon get £3m makeover with goggles, vests and combat boots

Dogs working for the British military are set to receive a £3.1 million makeover, with plans to kit them out in vests, goggles and combat boots.

The upgrade will include elastic snoods fitted with ear defenders, and blast goggles to guard their eyes in an effort to protect the hard-working pups as part of the new Ministry of Defence contract.

They will also be given cosy fleece-lined, rubber-soled boots to protect their paws from heat, glass and shrapnel, while vests that can be soaked in water will help cool them down.

New harnesses have been designed to securely attach the dogs to troops during parachute jumps or fast-rope descents from helicopters, allowing them to be parachuted from planes as well.

If the mission involves water, floats can be attached to the harnesses which will turn them into life jackets.

The upgrade also means handlers will be able to see everything their dog sees - even in tight spaces - as the new kit inlcudes mounting points for cameras.

The package isn't just about protection, as the MoD aims to provide "stimulating activities" including tunnels, weave poles, jumps and toys for the dogs, to ensure their "lives are enriched throughout their time in service".

The MoD website says: "Alongside keeping the dogs active and entertained, their work can be split into two categories: detection and protection, and the one-stop 'canine catalogue' will have a key role in ensuring their welfare and delivering enhanced training."

More than 500 dogs work in the military in the UK and overseas, from German Shepherds to Belgian Shepherds and Dutch Shepherds to Springer Spaniels, Labradors and other carefully selected breeds.

The kit will be supplied by Surrey-based Von Wolf K9 dog equipment company, which is in a contract with MoD.

Director of Von Wolf K9 Sally Dickinson said: "This is more than just a business opportunity for us - it's a responsibility we take to heart, knowing that the safety and wellbeing of these remarkable animals play a crucial role in our nation's security."