The days are getting colder and the nights darker as we approach the winter season. With loud and distracting seasonalities, such as Bonfire Night and New Year’s Eve approaching, it’s crucial that pet owners have as much advice as possible to keep their dogs safe this winter.
Following a 23% increase in monthly searches for ‘dog walk training’¹, natural dog food and accessory retailer Dragonfly Products has shared some expert tips to help protect your four-legged friends on the UK’s cold, wet and busy roads.
What is the best practice for training your dog around roads?
You should always exercise caution when walking your dog near roads and choose the safest route. However, if roads are necessary for your walk, you should slowly introduce your dog to them and don’t jump straight into the deep end!
Laura Lambert, owner of Dragonfly Products, explains: “It is essential to train your dog to walk calmly on pavements and to stop straight away at zebra crossings. This will help walks near busy roads become less frightening and a natural part of your everyday routine. If you can, try to avoid rush hour times in the morning and evening when drivers are likely to be less patient.”
How can a dog’s lead be made safe for walking near roads?
Retractable leads are excellent for providing your dog extra freedom in large, open spaces such as fields and parks. However, when walking your dog near a road, you should have the lead locked into place to prevent them from darting away if they see a distraction, such as a cat or another dog.
Laura adds: “If you frequently walk on roads, we highly recommend using non-retractable leads. This type of leads allows you to keep your dog closer by your side, with many modern styles featuring a traffic handle located close to your dog’s body to allow you to reach down and train your dog to wait with you at traffic lights.
“It is vital to check the quality of your lead regularly, no matter the type, as frayed or damaged leads are more likely to break and allow your dog to escape. Always check the clasp on your lead too, as if the lead is a cheap purchase or imported from China, the clasp may be weaker than those manufactured in the UK or from trust-worthy brands.”
If you see wear and tear on your dog’s lead, consider replacing it as soon as possible to avoid any unwanted emergencies by the road.
How does reflective clothing prevent road accidents?
One of the most common causes of animal road accidents is vehicles’ inability to see dogs or owners on the road.
“Clothing made from reflective material is ideal for dark, rainy nights when visibility is very low. You can also opt for a lead or harness with reflective areas to make sure that your dog can be seen at all times when walking on the pavement. Don’t forget about your own clothing; sporting bright outfits will help you and your pup be more visible to road users”, says Laura.
How does a fitted harness help increase an animal’s safety?
Fitted harnesses are perfect for use with leads, providing extra security and control on walks. Many harnesses have built-in safety precautions for night-time, such as reflective trims and a light loop for safety lights.
Laura explains: “A proper-fitting harness provides less opportunity for a dog to pull an escape attempt by wiggling out of it at the side of the road.
“A Y-shaped front harness is best for your pup, as this balances its weight on its chest plate rather than across the shoulders (which can cause health problems). It is also a great idea to select a harness that can attach to a double-ended lead for better stability and traffic handles to better control your dog when crossing the road.
“We offer free harness fittings for all dogs at Dragonfly when ordering from our collection, as well as a preloved harness scheme, to ensure that pet safety is accessible for all our customers. ”
What to do if you find an animal run over?
No animal deserves to be left alone if the worst happens, so the most important thing to do is to report the accident to your local vet and, ideally, take the animal along. For wildlife (any animals that aren’t domestic pets), you can report the casualty to the experts at your nearest animal wildlife centre.
Laura summarises: “Unfortunately, accidents do happen, so your dog’s safety is your top priority when out and about. Your pooch will look forward to their ‘walkies’ every day, which means they will likely be over-excited and can’t wait to get out of the door. As we move towards gloomier weather this year, pet owners must take precautions and are prepared, especially with daylight hours dwindling.”
