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As the weather turns colder and wetter, dog owners still need to brave the elements for their pets' daily walks, but there's important information they need to be aware of during autumn and winter. The Pet Health Club, a source of vet-approved expert advice , has recently highlighted some crucial information for those who walk their dogs at certain times of day. While it may be convenient to head out at popular times, there are factors you should be aware of that could significantly impact your pet's wellbeing and safety, particularly during the autumn and winter months. It's crucial you understand the advice, and be super careful when you're out and about. Moreover, there's a specific duration you should aim for when walking your dog each day. A vet has recently weighed in on how much exercise they should be getting daily. For those who often find themselves walking their dogs in the dark, there are several rules to adhere to. Here's everything you need to know as the days become shorter and the weather gloomier. Firstly, it's recommended to stick to familiar, well-lit paths. Wearing reflective clothing and adding a reflective collar to your dog can ensure you're visible to drivers. It's also important to keep your dog on a lead during darker hours, especially when visibility is poor. This will help maintain control over your pet. However, the next piece of advice is crucial, and it's something that not all dog owners may be aware of. The Pet Health Club said: "Even if your dog is usually good off-lead, make sure their recall is reliable. "The dark can be distracting and disorientating for them." It added: "Check their microchip details. If your dog does go missing, up-to-date microchip information can help you be reunited faster." What many owners don't realise is that reliable dog recall becomes even more vital during evening walks. Darkness dramatically heightens the dangers of a dog bolting, as visibility drops for everyone involved. Dogs can easily become disoriented or stumble into unexpected hazards when it's pitch black. That's precisely why this matters so much. Road safety poses the greatest threat. Motorists struggle to see clearly after dark, and colour recognition becomes far harder. Should your dog dash into traffic, drivers have mere moments to spot and respond, regardless of reflective clothing. What's more, your pet could disappear within seconds, making them incredibly difficult to track down if they ignore your commands. Strong recall enables you to maintain control and keep them nearby. Dogs can also become spooked by abrupt sounds or mysterious figures looming from the shadows. Should they bolt in fear, dependable recall becomes your only means of bringing them back safely. In addition to this, an unleashed dog can also startle other walkers and their dogs. You need a good recall to enable your dog to interact peacefully and avoid potential conflicts. Alongside adhering to the advice given, it's also sensible to carry a torch when walking with your dog in the dark. This will allow you to spot any potential hazards.
