As the nights draw in and the days become shorter, many of us will find ourselves walking our four-legged fury friends in darkness.
While your dog will likely enjoy walkies no matter the time of day, when walking a dog at night, there are some essential safety tips that all owners should know.
For expert insight, we have asked Tom Rhind-Tutt, our very own vet here with us at Perfect Pet Insurance, for his expert tips.
Reflectivity
You, your dog, and your lead will be far less visible in poor light, a huge safety concern, especially if your route takes you near any roads! For safety, it’s a great idea to wear a fluorescent jacket and have your dog wear one, too.
Believe it or not, it’s worthwhile also investing in a reflective dog lead, as I’ve tripped myself up many times before while using a long black lead!
Keep your dog on the lead
For safety, regardless of the light, I recommend keeping your dog on a lead unless in an enclosed garden or secure dog field. Remember, keeping your dog on a lead is always a good idea, especially if they have poor recall!
If your dog has poor recall, you may also want to consider our simple recall tips to teach your dog, and they’ll be running back to you in no time.
Finally, remember that with fireworks fast approaching, your dog could be spooked while out for an evening walk, another reason to keep them safely on a lead.
Light it up
While fireworks may soon light up the night sky, it’s a good idea to consider bringing your own light source. Having a clip-on torch with you, which, as the name suggests, is a wearable torch that simply attaches to your clothing, can help you see potential hazards and obstacles on your walk.
Having a torch with you can help to spot rubbish or other hazards lying in wait on the ground, such as chewing gum and even mouldy food, which could be full of toxins.
Collar name tags
Always ensure that your dog has a collar with an up-to-date contact number and address as a bare minimum, as not only is this the law, but if, for whatever reason, your dog were to run off, then there would be a better chance of you being reunited.
Remember, pet microchipping is also essential!
Be a bit flashy
Similar to my earlier point on the importance of reflectivity, why stop there? Flashy collars such as the LED ones are brilliant for playing in the park at night, and they look cool, too, so it’s a win-win!
Summary
In conclusion, walking your dog at night can be a safe and enjoyable experience with the proper precautions. Reflectivity is crucial to ensure you and your furry companion are visible, especially near roads.
