Safe night walks with your dog in Ramadan

In Ramadan most people walk their dogs after iftar, and the streets at night feel different: crowds by mosques and shops, children with firecrackers, and street dogs wide awake. A little planning keeps the walk calm for you both.

The best times

• The last hour before sunset the streets are empty, but drivers race to get home for iftar. Stay on the pavement and cross only where you can see clearly.
• After taraweeh the crowds thin out and the air is cooler.
• Before suhoor it's quiet, but darker, and street dogs are more active. Stick to well-lit streets you know.
• On a warm day, skip the midday walk. Put your hand on the asphalt for 5 seconds before you go out.

Be seen in the dark

• Use a reflective collar or harness, or one with a small light.
• Wear something light or reflective yourself, and keep your phone torch handy.
• Use a short leash, 1.5–2 m. Retractable leashes are hard to control near cars at night.

Firecrackers and fireworks

Children set off firecrackers on Ramadan nights, and a sudden bang can make a dog bolt.

• Hold the leash firmly, and check the collar isn't loose enough to slip off.
• If your dog is scared, move away from where children are playing and head home calmly, without pulling or shouting.
• Read how to help your pet with fireworks and loud noises.

Street dogs and leftovers

• Street dogs are more active at night, around bins and iftar leftovers. Take another route if you see a pack, and don't run.
• Don't let your dog eat off the ground. Chicken bones and food scraps in the street can harm it.

The law doesn't change in Ramadan

A muzzle, a collar and leash, a walker aged 18 or over, and a licence. The details are in walking your dog in Egypt and how to license your dog.