Dog owners are being urged to take steps to prevent their pets from becoming "invisible" to drivers as autumn evenings grow darker. Natalie Surtees, COO and co-founder of Tedaisy Insurance Group, the company behind Perfect Pet, says dogs can be hard to spot after dark and recommends reflective gear, LED lights and a torch for owners.
Daylight fades rapidly this autumn
Autumn can be among the best times of year to venture out with a dog, with crisp air, rustling leaves and less crowded parks creating some delightful walks. However, daylight is fading rapidly. By September 30, sunset will have dropped to 6.48pm, and on Sunday, October 25, when the clocks go back, it will set at 4.50pm.
This means numerous owners who walk their dogs before work or immediately afterwards will soon be doing so in dim light or complete darkness. And there is one frequent error that could leave their pet far more difficult to see than they might think.
Reflective gear and LED lights recommended
Surtees said: "Most owners don't think twice about heading out on the same walk, at the same time, that they've been doing all summer."
"The difference is that a few weeks later, that walk can be happening in near darkness. A dog wearing a standard collar and lead can be very hard for a driver, cyclist or runner to pick out, particularly on a poorly lit road or path."
She explained the simplest starting point is with what the dog is wearing, particularly if it has a darker coat. Surtees said: "Dogs with dark fur can blend into the background almost completely after sunset. It helps to think about your dog's visibility in the same way you'd think about your own."
"Reflective collars, leads and harnesses are widely available, and a clip-on LED light or a reflective coat can make a real difference to how early someone spots your dog."
Owners also need to be visible
It is not only the dog that can be difficult to spot, however. Surtees highlighted that the person holding the lead can be equally easy to overlook, and carrying a torch or wearing reflective clothing makes both owner and dog considerably more visible as a pair.
A torch also allows owners to see what their dog is sniffing or picking up, which becomes far more challenging to monitor in the dark. Being able to see your dog clearly becomes even more crucial once they are let off the lead.
Surtees said: "A dog that's perfectly reliable off the lead in daylight can be a different story after dark, simply because it's so much harder for the owner to keep sight of them."
"Keeping dogs on the lead near roads gives owners far more control if something unexpected happens."
Highway Code and microchip checks
Rule 56 of the Highway Code also states that dogs should be kept on a short lead when walking on the pavement, on the road, or on a path shared with cyclists or horse riders.
Even with the correct equipment and a well-lit route, things do not always go according to plan. Surtees said: "If a dog is startled and runs off in the dark, it can be much harder to find them. With fireworks season also approaching, it's a good time for owners to check their dog's tag and microchip details are current."
Surtees added: "None of this means cutting back on walks. Autumn can be a lovely time of year to be out with your dog. A few small changes, like a light on the collar and a torch in your pocket, mean both of you can keep enjoying those darker evenings."
