The Dark Night Challenge: How to Keep Your Dog Safe

In the Great Outdoors, darkness comes with its own set of challenges. Anything that might go bump in the night—or during the day, for that matter—can make outdoor excursions a treacherous experience. If you’re lucky enough to live somewhere with a lot of exploration-worthy land, you know how important it is to keep your dog safe while they’re adventuring. After all, what good is having a dog if you can’t take them places? If your answer is ‘not very much’, then we have some tips for you. Keeping your pooch safe isn’t always as simple as clipping on their lead before you go out exploring. But with these tips, keeping your dog safe from danger won’t be so scary after all.

Here are a few safety tips for the dark night: - Always keep your dog on their lead. There should be no off-lead exploring for dogs at night—even if you’ve got a reliable recall and your pup never leaves, accidents can happen. - Use your torch to help you safely navigate through areas with low visibility, but always keep it pointed down and avoid shining it in other people’s faces. - Bring treats! You never know when you might need them to coax an otherwise reluctant dog back to the car or house. - Make sure that your dog is wearing a light up Tag to help you keep an eye on them or a reflective collar, coat or harness.

It sounds like a no-brainer, but one of the most important things you can do for your dog is to bring a light with you. We’re not talking just about a torch, either—bring a headlamp. Headlamps are hands-free and can be used to help keep an eye on your pup while they explore. And if they wander off into the bushes, it’s easy to spot them with the light.

A collar and lead are a necessity before you head out. Along with this, make sure to have an appropriate sized collar. You may have one that’s too big, which can get caught on something and choke your pup. Alternatively, you may have one that’s too small and won’t provide enough control if your dog does run off. If you live in a rural area or somewhere with lots of tall grass, you might want to consider investing in some boots for your pup or carrying them along on hikes. Your average paws will be vulnerable to various ground hazards when they’re exposed to the elements. It’s also important to note that your canine companion may not be able to see things like a human can. It could be hard for them to navigate what is around them and avoid obstacles like plants and trees without assistance. A lead is the best way for you to guide them safely through any low-light conditions as well as night excursions.

No matter how much you love your dog, there are some things about them that might not be so loveable. For one thing, they’re going to poop—a lot. And if you’re in the middle of an outing and your dog goes, then it can get a bit messy. It’s best keep a stash of doggy bags on hand to clean up the mess. And don’t forget to pack them! Another thing that dogs tend to do is drool. No matter how much they try not to or how excited they are about being outside, they can’t help but drool when they come back inside after a long day at play. To avoid carpet stains, always have a towel handy for wiping off their face and paws when you get back home. Making sure your dog has plenty of water is also important for keeping them out on adventures longer than expected. Keeping water on hand is crucial for any outdoor excursions with your pup, because dehydration can set in fast (especially if it’s hot outside). Finally, remember that just because something looks safe doesn’t mean it actually is. Even if you think the grass is green enough or the ground looks like solid dirt – dogs have different senses than we do and may notice some funky details we miss. Always be careful where you walk with your pooch and be mindful of the signs around us.

As the sun sets and daylight fades, your dog will have to rely on you more than ever. These safety tips will get you and your pup through the night: -Use a light when taking your dog out at night -Always have a collar and lead on your dog -Know your environment -Don't go off-roading without proper equipment -Don't forget the poop bags