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Questions
- What are the dangers of dog walking?
- Safety Gear for Your Pooch is a Must!
- Be Seen on the Darkest of Nights
- Our Top Dog Walking Safety Tips
No matter what the British weather throws us at us, dog owners are venturing out, come rain or shine. Walking in the dark can be nerve wracking when you’re on your own and adding your doggo into the mix can ramp up the unsettling feeling – for new and seasoned dog owners!
Keeping yourself and your most beloved companion safe can feel daunting at times, but with the right gear and our top dog-walking safety tips under your belt - you’ll be enjoying your blissful evening walks in no time.
What are the dangers of dog walking?
Walking your pooch is the perfect time to bond as a pair - unwinding from the day and exploring the great outdoors together. When it comes to walkies in the dark, it’s easy to be unaware of the potential risks to your dog.
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Of course, they will blissfully enjoy their exercise not knowing any different, but one of the dangers could be your walking route. It’s first ideal to pick a path which is dog-friendly and well lit – a walk you’ve both done before is the perfect choice for cold wintery walks.
Navigating Through Traffic Hotspots
Traffic hotspots are a well-known danger to any pets – especially in the dark! The chances of you both having to cross the road are extremely likely, and if cars struggle to see your pooch it could be disastrous.
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Making sure your dog walking etiquette skills are in check is essential when it comes to the hustle and bustle of busy roads.
If they’re nervous around roads, take a step back and let them know you’re there to protect them! Keeping them on a lead is highly advisable in these situations – a shorter lead is best if they’re feeling a tad anxious (we wrote an entire post on how to find the best lead for your dog).
Other dangers to consider in the dark:
Litter or disregarded food thrown to the side – inquisitive pups may try to have a nibble which could cause their stomachs to be upset. Stay alert!
Poisonous plants – they can be hard to see if walking alongside darker paths!
Wild animals – creatures like foxes can be sneaking in the shadows; they’ll usually leave you alone but stick to well-lit pavements to keep you both safe anyway.
Safety Gear for Your Pooch is a Must!
As much as owners wear reflective gear in the dark to keep them seen and safe, your canine needs them too! Getting your furry companion noticed in the dark has never been easier with dog safety gear – for small and larger canines alike.
There are endless chic accessories and additions to ensure they don’t get lost in the darkness and are visible from afar
Be Seen on the Darkest of Nights
Tag safety lights and reflective gear are key essentials for dog walkers. From a quick jog to a leisurely stroll, they should be their top accessories. Not only will they be a fashionable addition to their collar, but the direct source of light means they will be able to be seen by oncoming traffic and other pedestrians.
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Reflective gear is the new height (or light!) of fashion. The clever use of reflective panels across luminous dog collars, coats and more means they’re always seen, even on gloomy evenings – discover more must-have dog reflective things you need.
Our Top Dog Walking Safety Tips
Don’t forget your phone – especially if you’re on your own! It can also be used as a torch to navigate through dark pathways.
Stay calm – they feed off their owner’s energy and an anxious pup is not ideal when paired with your own worries of walking in the dark.
Dogs see better in the dark than humans – if their behaviour changes, be observant of what is around you.
Evening joggers or runners – be considerate of others on pathways and if you have a nervous doggo, be extra wary.
Be Sure to Check Their Paws
Having the daily walk ticked off your to-do list is the best feeling – more so in the dark when all you want to do is sit on the sofa and relax. Before you wind down for the evening, don’t forget to check their paws!
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Not being protected by socks or shoes means their paws can become dirty and can house ticks or other unwanted things. Give their paws a wipe down and a good check to be sure!
The dark evenings shouldn’t be enough to make walks an anxious time for doggies and owners alike. With a few bright additions, tips and hints, you’ll be enjoying your night-time or early morning walks in no time. Find all the doggy essentials you need at Jollyes.