You & Your Pet

HOW TO KEEP YOU, AND YOUR PETS, SAFE AT NIGHT

As the dark evenings slowly begin to creep in, it’s time to start thinking about our pets and their safety throughout the darker nights.

After a few months of sunshine, longer days and warmer temperatures it can be difficult to adjust to the darker

evenings, as pet parents this is something that we need to act on as soon as we begin to notice the change. Being a responsible pet parent can help prevent your pets from being in a vulnerable situation.

Our dogs still need their walks and cats still want to go out on the prowl – and keeping them safe is the most important task we have been given. With reduced visibility, especially on the roads, making sure that drivers and cyclists can see them clearly is crucial.

Fortunately, we here at petplace have a huge selection of products to help keep your pets safe, ensuring they are seen throughout the darker days. Whether you are walking on a dark country road where street lamps are non-existent, poorly lit estates or cities where the darker evening combined with poor weather conditions can affect a driver’s vision.

There are a variety of options available for our four-legged friends should you want to keep them safe and seen on the darker evenings. J Hi-Vis collars are one way to help get your dog noticed by

drivers and cyclists, a dog collar with reflective strips could

be the perfect solution for your four-legged friend. J Flashing Bands simply clip around your dog’s neck for instant illumination for 500 metres, making your dog

unmissable. These are available in a variety of eye-catching colours, and are a great way to ensure your dogs are seen when out and about throughout the autumn and winter months. J Of course, what’s a collar without a lead? Including a reflective lead when on your evening walk will offer you and your pooch a bit more protection and make it easier for oncoming traffic to see a dog and its human walking.

Reflective leads often have reflective piping down the

length of the lead itself. If a reflective lead is not what you

are looking for, especially if your dog is comfortable on its current lead then why not opt for a light attachment?

Orbiloc has designed safety lights that can not only be attached to your dog’s lead or collar but also on the walker which is a great way for you both to be seen. These lights are also waterproof so can be used in the rain. J Hi-Vis Reflective Coats are a great way to keep your dog

cosy, warm and dry as well as create an awareness of a dog out for a walk. They are highly visible to other walkers, cars and bikes when light is reflected upon them.

When out for walks on the dark evenings, it’s not just cyclists, motorbike riders and car drivers you should be concerned with. Other walkers are something to consider, especially if any of the dogs are young, old, anxious or deaf. Seeing a dark shadow approaching can be a little intimidating, if you are lit up then this should keep your dog and others feeling safe and relaxed making your walk a bit more enjoyable.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns regarding your pets and their safety at night, please don’t hesitate to call one of our stores or reach out to us on our social channels where our team will be delighted to offer you advice. n

Ashlee is the social media and marketing assistant at petplace. Animal obsessed, she has a fondness for all living things and the environment using her creativity to build awareness. If you follow petplace on social media you will no doubt have interacted with Ashlee, she loves engaging with their customers and, most importantly, seeing all your wonderful pets.