Walking in the dark: how to protect yourself and your dog
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Walking in the dark: how to protect yourself and your dog

Anne Fischer
20.10.2023
Translation: machine translated

Your dog also needs to go out in the dark - and should be clearly visible. I'll tell you which products you can use to make yourself and your pet visible to other road users.

When I was about twelve years old, a friend of my mum's once nearly drove me to death, or so she claims. The reason: I was walking the dog at dusk in black clothes. Something like that wouldn't happen to me today. When I go out with my dog in the evening, it's hard to tell me and her apart from a glowing Christmas tree. There are lots of practical little helpers and, as a loving owner, I like to buy myself and my four-legged friend everything the market has to offer.

The classic: the luminous collar

I definitely recommend a luminous collar for good equipment. We've now reached an estimated number 26. Chewed on, broken, lost cable, lost the whole collar. There are several reasons. After this considerable wear and tear, I would advise you to pay attention to these three things when it comes to luminous collars:

  • The collar should be absolutely stable, ideally it should not be able to be opened at all, but should be pulled over the head.
  • It should be able to be operated without batteries and with a rechargeable battery instead.
  • The longer the operating time, the better. It's no good if you have to charge the collar every day. In the worst case scenario, it won't be ready when you want to go out.

This model from the Viso Light brand has received an above-average number of positive reviews in our shop:

The best thing: there is even a pink version! And there is also a pink version of the Trixie model, which has also received good reviews from our buyers.

I recommend small clip lights for when you're out and about: you can carry them in your jacket pocket and attach them to your collar like a dog tag if necessary. Personally, I always take them with me when I don't know how long the outing will last. If it suddenly gets dark, I have them to hand.

Kerbl LED light trailer Maxi Safe (One size, Dog, Dog sport)
Collar + Leashes
EUR5,90

Kerbl LED light trailer Maxi Safe

One size, Dog, Dog sport

Kerbl LED light trailer Maxi Safe (One size, Dog, Dog sport)
EUR5,90

Kerbl LED light trailer Maxi Safe

One size, Dog, Dog sport

If you and your dog are more the harness type, all the better: it offers even more space for bright reflectors.

The luminous lead

Yes, even leashes can light up! I think a model that you can use in the light and in the dark is ideal. I think this one is stylish and the flashing light can either be switched off or on if required.

A high-visibility waistcoat for you - and your companion?

I myself wear a high-visibility waistcoat when I go for a walk. Mine has a fitted cut and shines in a pretty pink colour with corresponding reflectors. You can also find great high-visibility waistcoats for your accompanying children in our shop.

Light clips for masters and mistresses are also available: you can simply attach them to your jacket if required.

Energizer Wearable clip (6 cm, 30 lm)
EUR8,97

Energizer Wearable clip

6 cm, 30 lm

Energizer Wearable clip (6 cm, 30 lm)
Flashlight
EUR8,97

Energizer Wearable clip

6 cm, 30 lm

The high visibility waistcoats are also available for dogs. They are super practical if your pet has dark fur. I tried them on my dog once and she hated them. She is a diva. But I'm always impressed when we meet Fridolin on our
meet Fridolin on our evening walk: Fridolin is a dark brown Labrador who always wears a highlighter yellow fluorescent waistcoat. I can see it glowing from several metres away - and that's why every car can see him.

Zolux * - CANISPORT XL reflective vest, orange color (XL, Dog vest)
Dog clothing

Zolux * - CANISPORT XL reflective vest, orange color

XL, Dog vest

Zolux * - CANISPORT XL reflective vest, orange color (XL, Dog vest)

Zolux * - CANISPORT XL reflective vest, orange color

XL, Dog vest

This model not only reflects, it also warms your poof:

Trespass DUKE X - 2-IN-1 Dog Vest (M, Dog vest)
Dog clothing
EUR52,24

Trespass DUKE X - 2-IN-1 Dog Vest

M, Dog vest

A torch will help you pick up droppings

A torch is also a good idea if you are travelling in particularly dark alleys or want to signal to oncoming cars. Apart from that, a torch is always a good idea if you need to search for your dog's droppings in the dark.

Trespass DUKE X - 2-IN-1 Dog Vest (M, Dog vest)
Dog clothing
EUR52,24

Trespass DUKE X - 2-IN-1 Dog Vest

M, Dog vest

How do you make sure that you and your dog are easily recognisable in the dark? Let me know in the comments.

Cover photo: Private

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A true local journalist with a secret soft spot for German pop music. Mum of two boys, a dog and about 400 toy cars in all shapes and colours. I always enjoy travelling, reading and go to concerts, too.


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