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It's 10 PM - do you know where your dog is? If he's like countless other canines in America, he may have just been let out in the backyard to do his business. Or perhaps the two of you have returned from an after-dinner stroll.
For dog owners who work late, an evening walk is a great way to spend quality time with a pet. And when the weather's hot and humid, it's often a good idea to wait until the evening, when it's cooled off, to exercise your dog. If you regularly walk your pet at night, Experts recommend the following tips to help keep both you and your pooch safe and sound.
Pet Safety during Walks
First, always adhere to the basic rules of the road when out with your pet. Walk against traffic so that you can see oncoming cars, and try to stay off the road when you can. It's also a good idea to get your pet some nighttime safety gear to warn passing motorists of your dog's approach. A reflective leash or jacket serves this purpose quite in the same way that reflective running shoes protect joggers. When a car's headlights strike the reflective material, the reflective material illuminates, making you visible to the oncoming motorist. Self illuminated collars and leashes are the newest way to stay more visible at night. These battery powered products can be seen from up to a half-mile away and do not require a secondary light source to be visible, meaning that a motorist can see you well before his headlights shine on you.
Illuminated safety gear is especially important if you're walking on country roads or suburban areas without proper sidewalks. And you shouldn't wait until it's completely dark to use them. When worn at dusk, an illuminated collar lets joggers and bicyclers know that you and your pet are using the sidewalk, too.
Pet Safety at Night
Your dog should also wear his illuminated collar when you let him out in the backyard in the evening. This will help you spot him quicker when you're ready to call him back in. And an illuminated collar can be a lifesaver should your leash break when you're on the road.
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