Walking your dog in the autumn is full of dilemmas - like weirdly being hunched over searching for poo in the leaves.
With the clocks recently going back another big issue we face is taking our dogs out for walks in the dark.
It gets dark very early now which is a nightmare if you get home from work after the sunsets. But just because it’s dark doesn’t mean we can’t go for walks.
However, there are hazards you need to be aware of, such as:
Other dogs.
Other walkers.
Cyclists.
Potholes and other hazards.
Cars and other vehicles.
So with these dangers in mind, Vets Now has put together some tips to keep you and your pup safe when you're out exploring at dusk.
Tips for you:
Always carry a torch. Or better still, wear a head torch, as these leave your hands free.
Wear bright clothing. It’s equally important you wear a bright coat, ideally one with reflectors.
If you want to take your dog on a new route, try it out in the daylight first.
Tips for your dog:
Reflective gear. As well as reflective collars and leads, consider putting reflective strips on their legs. If your dog wears a coat these can be bought with reflective patches, too.
LED lights.These lights are now lighter and brighter than ever and batteries last much longer. The clip-on versions can also usually be recharged via a USB.
LED collars. These can make it much easier to find your four-legged friend in the dark.
Things to keep a lookout for:
Other dogs. Meeting other dogs is more of an issue in the dark, so if your pet is nervous it’s probably best to keep them on a lead or within sight.
Other people. Consider joggers on paths and cyclists on bridleways.
Potholes and other objects. Be aware of broken glass and other sharp objects which can injure your dog’s feet. Lively dogs may also attempt to jump over fences or walls and may be unable to see the depth or the drop on the other side, or other hazards like barbed wire.
Cars and other vehicles. Road traffic accidents are a common cause of emergency admissions, particularly during the hours of darkness.
Did you know that dogs can see much better than we do in low light and this is why:
Their pupils are bigger so let in more light
They have more rods in their retinas and these are designed for low light
They have a tapetum behind the retina, which reflects light back again, so technically they see twice as bright
For those reasons don’t take anything for granted when walking your dog in the dark. Your dog may spot something you don’t and rush away in search of it. It’s often those unexpected bursts of speed that lead to an accident.
