Pet safety and visibility during the darker months
by Kelly Summerfield, ROGZ pet gear
Product focus
This article explores the key considerations and practical tips for ensuring that both pets and their owners remain safe and visible during the darker, wetter months.
By Kelly Summerfield, Digital Marketing Manager at ROGZ pet gear
As the days grow shorter and nights longer, ensuring pet safety and visibility becomes increasingly important. Veterinary professionals play a crucial role in educating pet owners about the risks associated with walking their pets in low-light conditions.
Reduced daylight hours mean that many pet owners will be walking their dogs in the early morning or late evening when visibility is low. This poses several risks, including:
Traffic hazards: Low visibility increases the chances of accidents involving vehicles, bicycles, and other pedestrians.
Getting lost: Dogs can easily get disoriented and wander off in the dark, especially in unfamiliar areas.
Encounters with wildlife: Pets may come into closer contact with nocturnal wildlife, potentially leading to dangerous encounters.
These essential tips for navigating the challenges of walking pets during the darker months, are aimed at enhancing their safety and well-being.
#1. Plan your walks wiselyEncourage scheduling walks during daylight hours when possible. If a schedule doesn’t allow for this, consider well-lit areas for evening or early morning walks. Parks, pedestrian paths, and streets with ample lighting are ideal.
#2. Reflective gearEncourage pet owners to invest in high-quality reflective gear for their pets. Reflective collars, harnesses, and leads can significantly enhance visibility.
#3. LED lightsSuggest attaching LED lights to pets’ collars or harnesses. These lights are highly visible and can be seen from a distance. The ROGZ RogLite Safety Light offers your clients with safety through lighting. This safety light has two settings for pet owners to choose from. The light can stay on constantly or it can be set to flicker throughout their walk.#4. Bright clothingRecommend that owners wear bright, reflective clothing to increase their own visibility, thereby reducing the risk of accidents.
#5. Stick to well-lit areasAdvise pet owners to choose walking routes that are well-lit and familiar. This minimises the chances of getting lost and reduces encounters with unexpected obstacles or dangers.
#6. Leash trainingEmphasise the importance of leash training. A well-trained dog on a leash is less likely to dart into traffic or chase after wildlife.
#7. Safety accessoriesEncourage the use of safety accessories like reflective vests for dogs. These vests are particularly useful for pets with dark fur that may be harder to see in low light.
#8. Update ID tagsRemind pet owners to ensure their pets' ID tags are up to date with current contact information. In the event a pet does get lost, this will aid in a quick reunion.
Visibility is a crucial aspect of pet safety in low-light conditions. Reflective gear is an effective solution to enhance a pet’s visibility to motorists and other pedestrians.
The primary benefit is that reflective materials bounce light back to its source, making pets visible from a considerable distance, especially in the headlights of oncoming vehicles. Reflective gear also ensures pets are visible from all angles, reducing the risk of accidents. Furthermore, reflective products are designed to withstand the elements, ensuring long-lasting visibility and safety.
The ROGZ Utility Range is perfect for the darker weather and wetter weather conditions. Here are just some of the reasons why this range is a must this autumn:
Reflective: The ROGZ Utility Range has reflective stitching, making sure pets are visible for up to 200m away. This stitching is on all Utility dog harnesses, Utility dog collars and Utility dog leads in this range.
Durable: The ROGZ Utility Range is built to outlast the unpredictability that the darker months bring. It is expertly made with high-quality materials, so it will outlast any UK weather.
Easy to Clean: The ROGZ Utility Range can be used in any weather conditions as it is an easy-to-clean range.
Find out more about the Rogz Utility range - www.nvsweb.co.uk
During the wetter months, it is crucial to keep pet gear clean and dry to ensure both safety and comfort. Wet or soiled harnesses, collars, and leashes can compromise your control over the animal and may become less effective, particularly in maintaining visibility. Additionally, damp gear can contribute to skin irritations and discomfort for the pet.
Regular cleaning and thorough drying of these items are essential to preserve their functionality, especially the reflective elements designed to enhance visibility. Ensuring that pet gear remains in optimal condition not only extends its lifespan but also supports the overall well-being and safety of pets.
You can recommend that pet owners wash their pet gear by following the steps:
Begin by filling a bucket, bowl, or basin with warm water. Add a small amount of mild detergent to the water, or alternatively, use a pet-safe shampoo. Stir the solution thoroughly, then submerge the dog’s harness, lead, and collar for approximately twenty minutes.
After soaking, some dirt may still cling to the gear. Gently rub the gear with your hands or use a soft cloth to loosen any remaining dirt. For more challenging areas, such as around the buckles, an old toothbrush can be used to carefully brush away debris.
Thoroughly rinse the pet gear in warm water to remove all soap residue. Gently squeeze out excess water and hang the items to dry completely before the next use.
Veterinary professionals play a pivotal role in promoting the safety and well-being of pets. By educating clients about the importance of visibility and providing recommendations on suitable gear and practices, vets can help prevent accidents and ensure that dogs enjoy safe walks throughout the year.By prioritising safety and visibility, we can ensure that pets remain protected and visible, allowing both pets and their owners to enjoy their walks, regardless of the time of day.
Stay Visible, Stay Safe.
