The vet issued the stark warning ahead of awareness week
A veterinary surgeon has issued a warning to pet owners. With it becoming much darker as we head into winter, people have been warned that they will need to keep an extra eye on their pets – and they may need to buy a few safety items to help.
It can get nearly pitch black at around 4pm now, and because of this, people taking their dogs out for a walk, or those with outdoor cats, have been warned to be careful when they are near a road. The fresh reminder comes during Road Safety Week, which started on November 17.
Roads can be a dangerous place for pets, and approximately 80,000 dogs and 200,000 cats are killed by vehicles each year, according to the Blue Cross. With this in mind, veterinary experts are highlighting the dangers that early nightfall brings, particularly for cats and dogs who may be difficult for drivers to see.
There are many danger lurking around the corner during winter(Image: esp_imaging via Getty Images)
Dr Sarah Page-Jones, Head Veterinary Surgeon at Pet Drugs Online, said: “Every pet owner wants to provide the very best care for their furry friends, but owning an animal means being responsible for their safety and protecting them from threats, with roadside dangers among the most serious. No matter how well-behaved your pet is, drivers can be unpredictable, so it’s crucial to pay attention and stay alert.”
Dogs
Dog owners are also urged to be extra careful on late-afternoon and evening walks. The vet stressed: “When walking your dog near roads, always keep them on a short, sturdy lead. Even if you’re dog has excellent recall, it’s not worth putting them at any risk. Loud traffic and sudden noises can easily spook animals, and fast-moving cars pose a constant threat.
“A lead that doesn’t extend beyond the edge of the pavement keeps your dog safely away from traffic, while investing in a robust lead also reduces the risk of it snapping during use. Additionally, walking with your dog on the inside of the pavement will create a physical barrier between them and the road – an extra layer of protection.”
Reflective gear is essential during this time of year. If you don’t have them already, coats, collars and harnesses with reflective strips are a great purchase as it helps dogs become more visible in low light. It’s also recommended that owners wear reflective clothing to ensure they can be seen by motorists.
If you walk multiple dogs, only take as many as you can safely control, especially in the dark when sudden movements are harder to manage. Training also plays a major role: The vet concluded: “A well-trained, responsive dog gives you greater control and peace of mind when walking near busy roads. If your dog is still in training, harnesses can provide more control over their movements than a regular collar.”
Cats
Keep your furry pals safe this winter(Image: Linda Raymond via Getty Images)
Outdoor cats are especially vulnerable in winter. Once it’s dark, cats roaming near busy roads become much harder for drivers to spot. Dr Page-Jones explained: “Ideally, avoid letting your cat out in the evening and instead allow them to roam outside during daylight hours when visibility is better and traffic is lighter. If your cat does go out at night, a reflective collar can help make them more visible to drivers.”
The expert concluded: “While you can’t control their movements once they’re outside, microchipping your cat ensures you can locate them more easily if they go missing or are involved in an accident. In the UK, it’s a legal requirement to microchip your cat once they are over 20 weeks old, so owners should ensure they are correctly following these guidelines.”
