Night and off the leads walks can be dangerous for dogs if they don’t have the correct safety equipment. Low visibility raises the risk of coming in to contact with vehicles or running into wildlife. To be safe after dark, experts suggest using bright and reflective gear and lights. Take reflective tape, or a glow-in-the-dark collar and leash that glows under headlights, for instance. And some owners use clip-on LED lights or light-up collars that emit their own light even when there is no natural source of it. In reality, safety studies reveal when high-visibility reflective material is added to a pet’s collar or gear the visibility of an animal is enhanced from approximately 30–50 feet (undetected) into over 500’at night under headlights 8–10 times more time for drivers to react. The best strategy is often to adorn yourself in layers of visibility: a reflective vest plus a flashing LED light, for example, which will give you 360-degree visibility under dim light. Keep in mind the advice of an one veterinarian: “even with a good light source, carry a flashlight or headlamp and always leash your dog – just to be sure you don’t find any unexpected surprises”.
Reflective Collars & Leashes: These don’t need batteries and, when you shine a car’s headlights or your own flashlight onto them, they remain glowing. 3M Scotchlite 3590 fabric There are modern reflective suits Cost effective and long lasting. A broader reflecting strip or pair of a vest would cover more area on the dog, making it to be seen from longer distances. Opt for adjustable vests or collars that are breathable and also fit well so the straps do not hang down.
LED, Light-Up Collars – The collar glows from the light produced on the inside of it (so it doesn’t reflect off your pet’s fur) in steady or flashing mode. They can make a dog extremely visible from any direction and are particularly handy in areas that are very dark, there’s not much streetlights. But the lit-up zone is generally only around the neck and batteries can run out or irritate sensitive dogs. For most pets, opt for the lightest collar LED (or capable of attaching a tag) you can find instead of a bulky all-LED band. Make sure to check that you have charged batteries or replacements before you go out.
High-Visibility Vests & Gear: If there were a supplement to reflective collars, it is the vests or harnesses. They flash neon colors and reflective panels that scream “I’m here!” in dark conditions. These are particularly recommended for walking along busy roads or dawn/dusk strolls. Covering the chest and back is as simple as layering a vest over a collar or harness, while front-clip vests can help mitigate pulling pressure (and keep dogs looking at you).
Other Lighting Aids: Clip-on “blinker” tags, human headlamps, or leash lights can also increase visibility even more. There are options like reflective leg bands or LED shoe lights, even. The PetMD night walks guide includes many helpful recommendations: an attachable collar light, reflective leg bands, bright vests all designed to keep you and your dog visible after hours.
Outdoor safety additionally includes protecting your dog from the weather and accidents, beyond just visibility. Here are some additional essentials:
Waterproof Collars & Gear: Dogs who swim, hike in rain or play in puddles need waterproof collars. Research reveals that instead of absorbing water like water resistant nylon or leather, waterproof materials such as PVC coated webbing or Biothane® resist it. A waterproof collar stays dry and light in wet or muddy conditions to ensure a chafing-free and comfortable experience. And, as one dog expert says waterproof collars “will keep your dog comfortable and dry even on a rainy muddy day”. That also translates to less odor and easier cleaning after you hit the trail.
Protective Apparel: Your dog might need a coat, booties or vest depending on the weather and where you’re hiking. Raincoats or insulated jackets can help keep small or short-haired dogs warm in cool, cold, and wet weather. Paw protectors keep cuts and burns at bay in summertime or snowy weather. Clothing with reflective strips can pull double time for visibility. Opt for breathable gear that fits well so your dog can move easily.
GPS Trackers & ID: Modern kits for safety often come with a GPS pet tracker or smart tag which attaches to the collar. They help you find a lost dog with phone. Although they don’t literally make the world easier to see, GPS collars offer peace of mind if your dog gets away. In any case, be sure your dog is wearing current ID tags and a microchip. Vets always advise you to microchip every dog so it can be traced without a collar. (Many owners take off collars at night to prevent injury, but a microchip means ID is still accessible.) For more tracking devices, check out our GPS Trackers & Collars Buyer’s Guide.
First Aid & Emergency Supplies A simple pet first-aid kit is worth its weight in gold. Add bandages, antiseptic wipes, styptic powder (for nail cuts), and tweezers (for ticks/thorns). Bring poop bags, some water and a collapsible bowl for hydration, as well as a cell phone or light source. For trail-side emergencies, think about a pet life vest (for boating) and blaze orange hunting vest (for fall woods). Take some common-sense precautions: be sure to stay on known trails, don’t take your pooch to known dangerous wildlife habitats and it is always a good idea to properly supervise your dog.
Brocia advises creating a basic safety kit for each outing: reflective collar or vest, leash light and ID/GPS are essential. VCA Animal Hospitals explain, “The most important considerations are safety, fit and function” when it comes to picking out dog gear. It’s easy to neglect that poorly visible dog in low light, so don’t cut corners when it comes to visibility. With a combination of passive and active lighting, as well as weather-appropriate gear, your dog will have the best protection for walking or hiking: or any outdoor fun.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are LED collars more effective than reflective collars when it comes to safety?
LED collars illuminate a dog (usually flashing or steady). They can make a dog visible even in the absence of exterior light, which is helpful in very dark places. Reflective collars don’t glow in the dark but reflect light from headlights or flashlights, shining back at a dog and in some cases allowing it to be seen from great distances. In reality the “superstar combo” for an evening walk is a reflective vest and some sort of small LED light, he said. If you want a swirling point of light, or if your dog is off leash in total darkness, go for LEDs. Reflective gear has the benefit of not relying on batteries and covering a greater area simultaneously (especially wide straps or vests). Use both types together for maximum visibility (i.e., reflective harness and clip-on LED light)
How do I know what safety gear is right for my dog?
Check for visibility (LEDs, reflectivity, bright colors), comfort (fit not causing chafing) and durability (waterproof materials, strong fasteners). For night safety, glow with as many lights or reflectors so that drivers and walkers see you from all sides. Make sure that collars or harnesses are a proper fit (not too loose, never tight – you should be able to slide a few fingers between the collar and the neck). Also think through when/where you’ll be using it: A heavy-duty harness might be best for hiking, while a simple LED collar is enough for playing in the backyard after dark. Match gear to your dog’s size and coat – if you have a thick winter coat, that might be too tight with the harness.
Do GPS collars or trackers belong in a dog’s safety gear?
They do nothing to improve visibility but GPS trackers are extremely popular as safety devices. A GPS collar or tag will allow you to pinpoint your fast dog that has run away or gotten lost. Brocia, of the Dog Safety Gear guide, lists GPS trackers as a component of an outdoor kit, particularly for dogs that explore or run off-leash. When considering, consider range and battery life _ subscription fees, too. And remember that GPS functions in daylight, so it serves as a backup to night-visibility gear. For further details, check out Brocia’s GPS Trackers & Collars Buyer’s Guide (tracking area and battery considerations).
How snugly should a safety collar fit?
It has to be close-fitting but not hugging tight. A general rule is that there should be enough space to comfortably put a finger or two (or a thumb) between the collar and your dog’s neck. If a whole hand fits underneath, the harness is too loose and the dog could wiggle out; if not even one finger can get between it and the dog’s back, it’s too tight and can choke or rub. Keep in mind that a dog’s skin moves when they sit or lie down, so you’ll want to re-check the fit from time to time. If you have a very active dog, consider a breakaway or quick-release collar as an additional safety feature to prevent choking if it becomes tangled.
Should my dog wear gear through all the seasons?
It varies from one activity to another. For year-round safety, at least put an ID tag on your dog and have it micro-chipped. In cold or damp weather, consider dressing your pet in some “gear” (sweaters) that keeps them both warm and visible: Wearing a raincoat doesn’t make it easier for your pet to run away. High-visibility harnesses or vests are still recommended during summer evenings or early mornings as daylight decreases. The aim is always maximum presence and comfort for the environment. Brightly colored collar/leash and just an LED light would not hurt you as a low-cost safety attire in any season.
And if you want to read more about the decision you should make, you can check out our related Brocia guides: The Ultimate Guide to Dog Collars.