Dog owners should do 1 thing before walking pets at certain time

As the weather turns colder and wetter, dog owners are reminded of the importance of walking their pets, with some crucial advice to heed before stepping outdoors. The Pet Health Club, a provider of vet-approved guidance, has recently highlighted an essential piece of information for those who walk their dogs at a specific time of day.

Despite its convenience, this popular time for walks requires certain precautions. Being aware of these could significantly enhance the wellbeing and safety of your pets, particularly during the autumn and winter months.

Moreover, there’s a recommended duration for daily dog walks. A vet has recently weighed in on how much exercise dogs should be getting each day.

For those who walk their dogs in the dark, there are several rules to follow. Here’s everything you need to know as the weather grows increasingly bleak.

Firstly, it’s advised to stick to familiar, well-lit paths. Wearing reflective clothing and adding a reflective collar to your dog is essential to ensure visibility to drivers. It’s also important to keep your dog on a lead during the dark, especially when visibility is poor. This will help maintain control over your pet.

However, the next piece of advice is crucial, and it’s something that not all dog owners may be aware of. The Pet Health Club said: “Even if your dog is usually good off-lead, make sure their recall is reliable.

“The dark can be distracting and disorientating for them.” It added: “Check their microchip details. If your dog does go missing, up-to-date microchip information can help you be reunited faster.”

What many don’t realise is that dependable recall becomes absolutely vital during evening walks. Darkness dramatically heightens the dangers of a dog bolting, as visibility diminishes for everyone involved.

Canines can easily become disoriented or stumble into unexpected hazards when natural light fades. This makes proper training essential.

Road safety presents the gravest threat. Motorists struggle to see clearly after dusk, and colour recognition becomes particularly challenging.

Should your dog dash onto the carriageway, drivers have minimal time to spot and respond, regardless of reflective accessories. Furthermore, your pet could disappear within moments, making them extraordinarily difficult to trace if they disregard your commands.

Strong recall ensures you maintain authority and keep them nearby. Dogs can also become startled by abrupt sounds or mysterious silhouettes materialising from the darkness.

Should they bolt in fear, trustworthy recall becomes your sole method of bringing them back safely. In addition to this, an off-leash dog can also startle other walkers and their dogs.

You need a good recall to enable your dog to interact peacefully and avoid potential conflicts. Alongside adhering to the advice given, it’s also prudent to carry a torch when walking with your dog in the dark. This will allow you to spot any potential hazards.