How to stay safe with your dog in the dark

Winter is officially upon us. If you own a dog, this can mean having to head outside when the sun goes down.

No one likes leaving their pooch cooped up in the house when they go to work, but the reality is that some dogs in the UK are left alone for more than 5 hours on a typical weekday.

This means that many families are forced to tend to their dogs outside of working hours, which can be a scary and stressful experience for both parties.

But it doesn’t have to be like this. To help you keep you and your dog safe in the dark, we’ve compiled some of our favourite tips and tricks.

Light it up

It’s no surprise that pitch-black nights reduce your ability to see and be seen. That’s why a reflective collar or harness is an absolute necessity for evening walks.

Car headlights bounce off the collar, keeping your dog visible to drivers. If you want to go even further, illuminating leads and dog coats are also easy to come by.

But it’s not just your dog’s wardrobe to consider this winter. Investing in hi-vis clothing or reflective strips will help to keep you both safe when crossing the road. Don’t forget to keep a torch and/or headlamp handy too.

Plan your route

Before you drop that exciting 4-letter word in front of your pet, you’ll need to get comfortable with your route. Try to follow familiar and well-lit places where possible, even if there is a shortcut down a side street or across a pitch-black park. It’s always safest to follow the direction of street lights.

Make sure you scope out any new routes beforehand. If there are potholes, broken glass, open waters or any nasty surprises on your walk, then you might want to reconsider. Steering clear of wildlife will help to stop your dog from getting spooked or overexcited.

As a responsible dog owner, you’ll also want to dress for the occasion. Just remember, you won't win any style points for being caught out in the cold in a pair of shorts, so wrap up warm and wear waterproofs. The same goes for your pooch.

Bring a friend

Now your pooch is lit up like a Christmas tree and you’ve planned your route, what else can you do to keep safe? Find a pooch-friendly partner!

Whether it’s a family member, significant other or friendly neighbour, having a partner will mean you’re less likely to be approached by someone when out.

It also helps to have an extra pair of eyes and hands to look after your dog when they’re exploring. Even if it’s just to keep hold of the lead while you fish around in your coat pocket for a spare poo bag, there’s strength in numbers.

If your friends prefer cats to canines, or you just want to go out on your own, always make sure that you have a fully charged mobile phone with you at all times. The last thing you want is a dud phone if you get lost in the dark.

Top tips

• be aware of your surroundings by removing headphones and postponing phone calls with friends.
• keep your dog secure at all times as you don’t want the stress of losing them in the dark.
• try to follow pavements, ideally where flowing traffic is present, so you can use car headlights for extra visibility.
• if you get lost, ask a driver or follow a road map to find your way back.
• make sure your pet is comfortable wearing a new safety accessory, because if they don’t like it or it doesn’t fit properly, it could make them restless.
• if your pooch isn't confident going out in the dark, then let them out in a well-lit garden or employ a dog walker to take them out in the day.