Night safety for dogs

It's 10 P.M. Do you know where your dog is? If he's like countless other canines in America, you may have just let him out in the backyard to do his business. Or perhaps the two of you have returned from an after-dinner stroll.

For dog owners who work late, an evening walk is a great way to spend quality time together. When the weather's hot and humid, it's a good idea to wait until the evening when it's cooled off to exercise your dog. If you regularly walk at night, experts recommend the following tips to help keep both you and your pooch safe and sound.

First, always adhere to the basic rules of the road when out with your pet. Walk against traffic so that you can see oncoming cars, and try to stay off the road and up on the sidewalk when you can.

Light up the night

Get your dog some nighttime safety gear so passing motorists can see you, especially if your dog is a dark color. An illuminated collar, leash or jacket can be a lifesaver for your dog should the leash break when you're on the road. As an extra safety precaution, you should wear reflective clothing too, or at least carry a flashlight.

Reflective dog gear works the same way that reflective running shoes protect joggers. When a car's headlights strike the reflective material, it illuminates, making him visible to the oncoming motorist.

Illuminated safety gear is especially helpful if you're walking on country roads or in suburban areas without proper sidewalks. And you shouldn't wait until it's completely dark to use it. When worn at dusk, a reflective leash lets joggers and bicyclers know that you and your pet are using the sidewalk, too.

Battery powered collars and leashes are the newest way to be more visible at night. These can be seen from up to a half-mile away and do not require a secondary light source to be visible, meaning that a motorist can see you well before his headlights shine on you and your dog.

In the Yard

Your dog should also wear his illuminated collar when you let him out in the backyard in the evening. This will help you spot him quicker when you're ready to call him back in.