Why you should be lit up at night walking

Now that the autumn equinox has passed and there’s fewer hours of daylight, Its all to easy to forget that it is harder to be seen, when out in the darker hours of the day. Walking your dog at night is very much a different game to walking during the day. The hazards to you and your dog are increased drastically which is why you should take extra precautions to stay safe!

YOU CAN SEE, BUT CAN THEY SEE YOU?

Ever been out walking your dog when a cyclist has come from nowhere and gave you the fright of your life? If he had lights on his bike you may have seen him coming. Well, you can help by doing the same.
Cars have the greatest potential to cause harm but you shouldn’t underestimate the damage that can be caused by a runner standing onto your pet’s foot or a cyclist riding into them. Simply led lights attached to your dog’s collar or lead can help others to see you and your dog when you are out and about. Something so simple can help minimise the risk of an accident while you’re out walking your dog. While there are many options available on the market the Orbiloc has proven to be one of the leading brands in LED lights for you or your dog. With a powerful LED light which is visible from 5km away, it will allow road users, pedestrians and cyclist to see you, and your dog giving them plenty of time to react. It has other impressive features too, waterproof to 100m (if your dog likes to swim) and it can withstand a load of 100kg allowing your dog to really put it to the test, safe in the knowledge that it won't break. With customisable attachments there isn’t anywhere you couldn’t put it.

ITS GETTING COLDER OUT THERE

With the dark nights comes the colder wetter weather so now is the time to be thinking about kitting out yourself and your pooch to suit (they feel the cold just like us). All dog coats come with special features but one that you want to look out for are fluorescent features. Those special materials that reflect the light shone onto it to allow it to be visible at night.
The Weatherbeeta 300D reflective dog coat has these features as well as being showerproof and warm. If you’re not sure what coat to get how or to measure your dog for the perfect fit, you can check The Complete Guide to Measuring Your Dog for a New Coat. This comprehensive guide will give you everything you need to make the correct choices.

ITS WILD OUTSIDE

Depending on your location there are many hidden dangers that come in the way of wildlife. Fox’s and badgers may be more prominent in some of the areas you are walking in, especially in wooded areas where you may let your dog off it’s lead to stretch their legs a bit further. Not only will a light attached to your dog allow you to see where they are but it will also help warn other wildlife of your presence and help to avoid any unnecessary altercations. Most wild animals will be more hostile towards roaming dogs when they have young with them so bear that in mind during the breeding months. The easiest way to prevent such instances occurring would be to keep your dog on the lead at all times when out on a walk.

Why don’t you let us know your experience’s with walking at night in the comments section below!