How to keep your dog safe walking at night

How to keep your dog safe walking at night

There are several things that many people may not know about the number of dogs and cats that are killed every year as a result of being struck by a vehicle. Some of these include:

  1. The numbers are high: Unfortunately, a significant number of dogs and cats are killed each year in the United States as a result of being struck by a vehicle. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), an estimated 1.2 million dogs and 1.4 million cats are hit by cars each year in the US.

  2. Most of the incidents happen in residential areas: Many of these incidents occur in residential areas, particularly at intersections and during morning and evening rush hours. This is likely due to the fact that many people are either coming or going to work and school during these times.

  3. Night time is dangerous: The risk of a pet getting hit by a car increases at night, as visibility is reduced. This is also a time when more wild animals like raccoons, possums, and deer are active, which can put pets and their owners at risk.

  4. Often not reported: Often, these incidents go unreported, and the actual number of dogs and cats killed by cars may be higher than reported. This is because many of these incidents occur on private property or in areas where there are no witnesses.

  5. The risk is higher for certain breeds: Some dog breeds are more prone to accidents when it comes to cars because they are more curious or energetic, such as herding breeds or hunting breeds.

It is important to be aware of these statistics and to take steps to keep our pets safe, such as keeping them on a leash during walks, being mindful of the time of day, and always be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking at night. Keeping your dog safe during nighttime walks is important for both you and your furry companion.

Here are a few tips to help ensure that your walks are safe and enjoyable for both of you:

  1. Use Reflective or Light Gear: Using reflective gear, such as a collar or a leash, can help increase your visibility to cars and other pedestrians. This is especially important at night when visibility is reduced. Using an LED dog collar is a great way to make sure you're seen a block away. Halodog Collars are lightweight, super bright and rechargeable (simply connect the included USB cord to any USB plug for a fast recharge -- fully recharged in 20 minutes!). 

  2. Keep Your Dog Close: It's important to keep your dog close to you on your walk, especially at night. This will help you keep an eye on them and keep them from wandering off into traffic or other dangerous areas.

  3. Stay on Well-Lit Paths: Choose well-lit paths for your walks, such as sidewalks or paths that have street lights. This will help increase visibility for both you and your dog, making it easier for you to navigate and keep an eye on your dog.

  4. Keep Your Dog on a Leash: Always keep your dog on a leash, even if you trust them to come back when called. A leash will help keep your dog close to you and prevent them from running off into traffic or other dangerous areas.

  5. Keep an Eye Out for Cars: Always be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye out for cars while you're walking. Try to walk on the side of the road that faces oncoming traffic, this way you'll be able to see any cars coming and adjust accordingly.

  6. Be Mindful of other animals: At night time you might come across wild animals, like raccoons or possums. They may be carrying disease and could be a danger to your dog, so keep your distance.

  7. Consider A Shortcut: If you're feeling uneasy about walking at night, consider taking a shorter route or cutting your walk short. It's always better to be safe than sorry.

  8. Keep a cell phone: In case of emergency it is always a good idea to have a phone with you.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your dog is safe during nighttime walks, and you can both enjoy your time together. Remember to always be aware of your surroundings and to keep your dog close to you to make your walks as safe and enjoyable as possible.

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