The cold and dark months of the year are upon us, and among other things, it means that we often have to walk our dogs after the sun has set.
But nightfall can make it difficult for drivers and dog owners to notice each other, and that’s why the winter months are that time of year when most dogs are hit by cars.
The latest numbers from 2022 show that 33% of all episodes of dogs getting hit by cars are reported in the months of November to January.
Be Careful When Walking Your Dog After Dark!
But according to the veterinary group AniCura, a lot of these accidents can be avoided with the right equipment:
“It’s a frightening thought and a devastating experience for any dog owner if their dog gets involved in a car crash during their daily walk. Hence, it’s important for dog owners to take extra precautions to increase their visibility to drivers. Wearing reflectors and/or lights is a crucial step, this can include a reflective leash, vest, or even a flashlight.”
– Hanne Friis, the Chief Veterinarian at AniCura Denmark.
She also adds:
“Often, it can be far more difficult for drivers to see the dog than the owner as the dog is much closer to the ground. Therefore, it is also beneficial to ensure that the dog is always on a leash and preferably a short leash when walking after it has become dark. It is also important to remember that the dog should walk on the inside, so it is furthest away from busy roads.”
– Hanne Friis
If Your Dog Is Hit by a Car
If the worst happens and the dog is hit by a car, it’s important for the dog owner to be aware of how to handle the situation. Dogs can react very differently depending on the severity of the accident and the extent of the injuries:
“The first step should be to move the dog away from the road and check if the dog is still conscious and the severity of its injuries. However, it is important to be aware that sometimes dogs experience so much pain that they can behave more aggressively and differently than normal, so the dog owner must be very cautious.”
– Hanne Friis
Unfortunately, if the dog has been hit by a car, it will often result in bone fractures and internal bleeding to a greater or lesser extent, which in some cases will require surgery.
Therefore, it is also very important for the dog owner with serious injuries to call a veterinary emergency service, which has 24-hour injury clinics throughout the country, making it possible to be seen by a veterinarian immediately.
In this connection, it is beneficial to code the number of the nearest 24-hour animal hospital in advance, so you have it on your phone in case of an accident
Recommended Gear for Walking at Night
As mentioned above, there are a few pieces of equipment that can make a huge difference when it comes to walking your dog after dark.
Reflective Vests
The most efficient product is probably a reflective vest, both for you and your dog.
For your dog:
For you:
Reflective Leash
Some of My Favorite Products For Dog Owners
I hope this article has helped you just a bit in everyday life as a dog owner. Being a dog owner for more than 25 years myself, I’ve tried an abundance of different products with varying success, but these products below are some that I can highly recommend to every dog and their owner without hesitation!
These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. But it’s products that I use daily myself, and I have nothing but praise for.
Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be hard, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. But since 2015 when the company was founded, I’ve been using Ollie Petfood. With their product being tailor-made to suit every dog’s specific needs, and as my dogs absolutely love the product, I’m pretty sure I’ve found a product I will continue to use for many years more. If you use my link you can get 50% off your first order.
Dog Training: If you’ve ever owned a puppy, you know that they require a lot of training to grow into a well-behaved adult. Brain Training for Dogs has helped me immensely with the mental training part of raising a dog, and it’s something I strongly recommend you consider.
Grooming: If you have a dog in your home, you’re going to need a brush, and for this, I recommend a Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush. For that price, you simply can’t beat this brush for everyday grooming.
If you’re looking for the most up-to-date recommendations, check out my recommended products section that I’ve created to help every dog owner!
