Walking or running with your dog at night can be beneficial for both you and your pup. It not only gives you the opportunity to bond with one another, it’s also a great form of exercise while staying out of the hot sun! It also helps your dog’s paws when you run at night because they do not have to run on the extremely hot concrete.
Fitdog Sports Club co-owner, Andrea Servadio was featured on Dogster saying, “dogs don’t fair well in the heat, so jogging or running at night in cooler weather provides a good temperature for exercising dogs.”
However, since it is dark outside and you won’t be able to see much of your path, it is important to stay safe and be aware of your surroundings. Andrea suggests you “use reflective gear for both you and your dog. An LED dog collar or leash is also a great option. At night, it’s best to find a safe jogging path rather than running on the side of the road, and opt for light-colored clothing.”
It is also important to use a leash that can be easily seen. Flexi-leads are especially dangerous at night because the line essentially disappears in the darkness. Make sure you use a leash that will be visible for not only you but for people passing by that may cross you and your dog’s path.
Make sure to check out the rest of the article on Dogster to gain more helpful advice for running at night!