Photograph: Unsplash (free licence).
Quick answer: since the clocks went back on 25 October 2026, the sun sets around sixty minutes earlier and the afternoon walk often takes place in the dark. To walk your dog safely: a reflective collar, harness or lead, a short lead near the road, visible clothing for you too and gradual changes to their timetable so their routine is not disrupted.
On Sunday 25 October the clocks went back from 03:00 to 02:00 and Spain moved to winter time. There are no new rules, but there is a practical change for dog owners: daylight ends earlier and the after-work walk now happens in the dark.
What has changed and why it matters to dog owners
According to Motor16, drawing on road safety data, 31% of road accidents involving animals happen between October and December. In addition, Spain’s traffic authority (DGT) records more than 3,000 accidents a year involving dogs on Spanish roads. Less light means drivers and cyclists take longer to spot a dog, especially one with a dark coat.
The Real Sociedad Canina de España reminds owners of the basics: dogs should wear reflective or light-up items, leads should not be unclipped near the road and the pace should match the available light. Spanish traffic regulations also require pedestrians walking at night on roads outside towns to wear something reflective.
How to make your dog visible in the dark
- Reflective on the body, not just the neck: a reflective harness or coat covers more surface than a collar and can be seen from more angles.
- A lead with reflective thread: it helps others see that you are together and not mistake your dog for a stray.
- You count too: light-coloured clothing or a hi-vis vest for you, especially on paths without pavements.
- Check the fit: coats change in autumn and a harness can loosen. Make sure your dog cannot wriggle out of it.
Reflective nylon harnessView product
Lead with reflective threadView product
Reflective nylon collarView product
Walking after dark: practical tips
- Keep the lead short near the road and only let your dog off in enclosed, well-lit areas.
- Choose familiar routes with street lights and wide pavements. Save country paths for daylight at the weekend.
- Watch out for what you cannot see: at night it is easier for a dog to eat something off the ground. Keep their attention with treats and simple cues.
- Cold and rain: if your dog is small, older or short-coated, a reflective coat keeps them warm and visible at the same time.
How to adjust their routine to the new time
Dogs take their cues from daylight and from our habits. If the change has unsettled your dog (asking for food earlier or waking very early), shift meals and walks by about 15 minutes at a time over several days until you reach the new schedule. Make the most of midday light at weekends for a long walk and, at home, make up for shorter walks with sniffing games.
See more reflective vests for dogs, collars and harnesses and dog leads.
Frequently asked questions
Does my dog have to wear something reflective at night?
There is no general requirement for dogs, but Spanish traffic regulations do require pedestrians to wear something reflective at night on roads outside towns. Having your dog wear one too is a simple safety measure.
How long does it take a dog to adjust to the clocks changing?
It depends on the dog. Most adapt within a few days if the timetable is changed gradually and the routine stays consistent.
Reflective collar or harness?
A harness offers more visible surface and spreads pressure better. Ideally, pair it with a reflective lead.
Keep reading
- Walking your dog in the rain: raincoat, sizing and drying
- How to measure your dog and choose a harness size
- Sniffing games for dogs: easy ideas at home