7 Tips to Keep Your Dog Safe on Winter Night Walks

The brief days can make taking your dog for an evening stroll difficult no matter what region of the world you reside in. Several problems might occur throughout the winter, from dark neighborhoods to slippery streets. 

Even though it might be convenient, your dog cannot remain inside after sunset. During those cold, dark winter evenings, you and your dog must both be secure and comfortable.

Here are seven suggestions for walking your dog in the winter to help you get through the season.

Use reflection

Wearing reflective clothing is essential for keeping you and your dog visible at night. Change your dog's existing leash for one that is reflective, and search for coats that will increase, not decrease, your dog's visibility to oncoming traffic at night. 

For increased visibility, think about donning a reflective jacket or layering a reflective vest over your winter coat.

You may also get an LED collar for your dog to assist make it more visible when out on a walk. Most are waterproof for evenings when it rains and has rechargeable batteries that normally last for 5-8 hours. Look for models with LED lights that are extremely bright and will shine through the darkness.

Keep the leash

While enjoying yourself while walking off-leash is always a good idea, testing your dog's recall skills at night shouldn't be done. 

Before leaving the house, make sure your dog's leash and harness are always securely fastened. Also, keep your dog under strict control the entire time you are out for a walk. The last thing you need is for your dog to wander off into the deep night.

Maintain Your Knowledge

Make sure you and your dog are on a familiar path while going for a nighttime stroll. This reduces the possibility of getting lost or coming across unusual stimuli that your dog might find alarming.

Keep to the sidewalk and well-lit areas as much as you can. Since their ability to see in low light reduces and they may overlook tiny hazards, such as steps or a boulder in their path, this is especially crucial for older dogs who may be developing cataracts or any dog with vision issues.

 In these situations, keep the leash short to help your dog avoid hazards, and stay on as clear and well-lit a path as you can.

Put on the Proper Gear

On a chilly winter night, a dog's fur coat may not always be sufficient to keep him warm. Make sure to buy your dog a well-fitting jacket or sweater if they shiver frequently or have a short coat. 

Even though not all dogs need boots, they should regularly check their paws for bleeding or cracks to determine whether they might benefit from wearing them. Always wipe your dog's paws clean after a walk if you live in a city where chemical salt is present on the streets.

Team up

A friend can make your final walk of the day much safer by joining you. Invite your neighbor and their dog to join you, or invite a member of your family to join you for an enjoyable evening activity.

Maintain Your Safety

On nighttime walks, not just your dog needs to take extra steps for safety. Wear reflective materials at night and always wear footwear with good traction that is appropriate for the conditions.

 When possible, try to stay in well-lit areas; if not, remember to bring a flashlight. Consider using a headlamp wherever you go for simple hands-free visibility, and of course, always carry your cell phone with you in case of an emergency.