National Walk Your Dog Month Safety Guide [2026]

January is National Walk Your Dog Month! While this may be the darkest, coldest, and wettest month of the year, getting out with your dog is a great new year goal.

We all want to kickstart our New Year fitness resolutions, but the reality of 8 AM sunrises and 4 PM sunsets can make it difficult. Many dog owners feel anxious about walking their dog in the dark, worrying about low visibility and keeping their dog safe in low light conditions.

But don’t let the short days steal your motivation. With the right preparation and the right gear, winter walks can be great for physical and mental health.

Here is your essential guide to staying safe, seen, and active this January.

1. The Two Types of Visibility: Active vs. Passive

For optimum low-light safety, you need to understand the difference between being "reflective" and being "lit up." For maximum dog safety at night, you usually need both.

Passive Visibility (Reflective Gear)

This relies on an external light source (like car headlights or a street lamp) hitting the gear and bouncing back the light. It is essential for road walking.
Ensure your dog is visible to drivers with our range of reflective dog gear woven with high-visibility stitching.

Active Visibility (Lights)

This creates its own light. If you walk in a park, on a dark trail, or away from streetlights, reflective gear won't work because there is no light to reflect it. You need a battery-operated light.

Our Recommendation: The GO-2 Light

Standard lights often break after one dip in a puddle. The EzyDog GO-2 Light is built for British winters. It is waterproof, rechargeable, and attaches securely to any harness or collar, ensuring you can always spot your dog, even in the pitch black.

Equip your dog with the EzyDog GO-2 Light for distinct visibility in the darkest conditions.

2. Choose the Right Lead for Winter Roads

During National Walk Your Dog Month, you might be increasing your mileage or trying new routes. If these involve roads, your choice of lead matters more than ever.
When walking in low light, cars have less time to react to you. A reflective dog lead acts as a visual barrier, showing drivers exactly where the connection is between you and your dog.

The Road Runner Leash

This is a favourite for winter walking. Not only is it threaded with highly reflective stitching, but it also features our Zero Shock technology. In the cold, your muscles are stiffer, and a sudden jolt from a dog spotting a fox in the dark can cause injury. The Zero Shock bungee absorbs that impact, protecting your back and shoulders.

Walk safely and comfortably with the Road Runner Leash, featuring a traffic control handle for instant security near roads.

3. Shorten the Lead in Shadows

Darkness changes your dog’s environment. Shadows can look like threats, and nocturnal wildlife (foxes, badgers, cats) is more active. Even a calm dog can spook easily in the dark.

One of our top winter dog walking tips is to keep your dog closer than usual when visibility is poor.

If you are using a variable length lead like the Vario 4, shorten it to the 1-metre setting.
If you use the Road Runner, utilize the "Traffic Control" handle positioned near the collar to pull your dog close instantly if a car approaches or they get startled.

4. Route Planning: Stick to the Familiar

National Walk Your Dog Month is a great excuse to explore, but try to save the new, unknown trails for the weekends when you have daylight.

When walking your dog in the dark, stick to routes you know well. Potholes, tree roots, and patches of ice are hard to spot with a headtorch. Knowing the terrain prevents twisted ankles for you and paw injuries for your dog.

5. Hydration: The Hidden Winter Risk

When we think of dog safety, we usually think of visibility. But winter brings a hidden danger: puddles.

In January, roads and pavements are treated with grit, rock salt, and often contain traces of antifreeze (which is sweet-tasting but deadly to dogs). If your dog gets thirsty on a walk, their instinct is to drink from the nearest puddle.

Don't let them drink from the ground.

Even in freezing temperatures, dogs lose water through panting and the dry winter air. Carry your own fresh water to ensure they stay hydrated without risking salt poisoning or tummy upsets.

The Leaf Bottle

For winter walks, you don't want bulky gear. The EzyDog Leaf Bottle is leak-proof and fits easily into a coat pocket or car cup holder. It’s the safest way to ensure your dog drinks clean water, no matter where your New Year adventures take you.

Keep your dog safe from dirty water with the portable Leaf Dog Water Bottle, essential for long winter walks.

Final Thoughts:

Don’t let the British winter stop you from enjoying National Walk Your Dog Month. With a sturdy pair of boots, a waterproof EzyDog light, and a reflective lead, the dark mornings can be your playground.

Get out there, stay safe, and start your year on the right foot (and paw).

Ready for your night walk? Shop our complete collection of dog safety lights and reflective gear at EzyDog UK.