With autumn and winter drawing in, veterinary experts are urging dog owners to stay vigilant around roads as sunsets now occur as early as 7pm and evenings will continue to grow dark after this weekend's harvest moon.
Roads are always a dangerous place for pets, with approximately 80,000 dogs and 200,000 cats killed by vehicles each year. This danger worsens as sunsets get earlier and earlier with the arrival of autumn and winter.
Vet's safety advice for dark walks
Dr Sarah Jones, Head Veterinary Surgeon at Pet Drugs Online, said: "Every pet owner wants to provide the very best care for their furry friends, but owning an animal means being responsible for their safety and protecting them from threats, with roadside dangers among the most serious. No matter how well-behaved your pet is, drivers can be unpredictable, so it’s crucial to pay attention and stay alert."
When walking dogs in the dark, owners should opt for reflective walking gear for themselves and their canine pal, making them visible to drivers on the pavement and when crossing roads.
Lead safety and pavement positioning
Alongside this, dogs should be kept on a short, sturdy lead. Dr Sarah added: "Even if your dog has excellent recall, it’s not worth putting them at any risk. Loud traffic and sudden noises can easily spook animals, and fast-moving cars pose a constant threat."
A lead that doesn’t extend beyond the edge of the pavement keeps your dog safely away from traffic, while investing in a robust lead also reduces the risk of it snapping during use.
"Additionally, walking with your dog on the inside of the pavement will create a physical barrier between them and the road - an extra layer of protection," the vet said.
Extra caution for multiple dogs
Those who have multiple dogs should be extra careful and only walk as many as they can safely control at once.
The vet says: "If one behaves unpredictably, you may struggle to restrain them all, increasing the risk of an accident. Consider not just the number of dogs, but their size and strength."
