Enjoy the outdoors longer.

When fall and winter arrive most of us think about breaking out our warm clothing. But winter brings more than cold weather, it also ushers in shorter days and longer nights. If you’re a dog owner, especially one who lives in an urban area, the changing season should be a reminder that you also need to break out the safety lights and reflectors.

It’s also important to remember that even though cities generally have lighting along most busy roadways, it’s still quite difficult to make out a dog with dark fur in a rainy or foggy environment, and on bike paths and jogging trails. As dog owners we have a responsibility to keep our dogs safe. That includes making sure that our dogs can be seen near roadways, which contributes to road safety and is better for everyone. The good news is that reflectors make a big difference. In fact, dogs outfitted with reflectors are up to 30% more visible in a car’s headlights than without.

There are many safety light product options available for dog owners. How many you need, and whether you need reflectors or lights, will depend on where you do most of your outdoor activities with your dog and how busy and well lit those areas are.

In addition to the extra safety that reflectors and lights provide, they also provide a sense of security. When you know your dog is wearing safety lights or apparel that has bright reflectors that will get the attention of travellers, walking, jogging, and playing with your dog will be that much more relaxed and enjoyable. And when the products you choose are ergonomic and won’t limit the dog’s natural movement, even your dog will be up for some nighttime adventures.

When going out for a walk or jog in a well-lit area that has lighter road traffic, one good option is to choose a harness with high-quality reflectors and a leash. When visibility has been taken into account during the design phase of a product, it’s generally not necessary to purchase separate reflectors.

Harnesses with large reflective prints and reflective trim at the front and back guarantee better visibility for all dogs. And if the product’s padded sections are wide enough, furry, long-haired dogs shouldn’t interfere with the product’s ability to reflect light.

In thoughtfully designed products, reflectors that cover all sides of a dog are typically included along with other practical details. A good harness that has reflectors should also be adjustable, that way your dog will be safer and feel more comfortable.

Today there are great high-visibility products, such as harnesses made with neon-colored and reflective materials and strong reflectors that have remarkable reflective brightness. Also, leashes have more reflective surface area than you might think. And removable reflectors that can be added to a harness or leash are also quite effective as they can be attached wherever they help you and your dog stay the most visible.

Other smart leash features can help with nighttime safety too, including durable, easy-to-use clasps, a second leash loop for more control when crossing roads and tricky terrain, and the ability to adjust the length of the leash, which allows the dog to be closer to you.

Keep in mind that if you have a leash or harness that has reflective qualities, it won’t do you much good if you cover it up with a warming layer or coat. That’s why it’s best to opt for winter coats that have their own reflective features. For example the bright surface of the Mudventure Reflective Coat covers the entire dog and grabs the attention of motorists even in ugly weather.

This clever, adjustable raincoat also features a high collar and it’s waterproof with fully taped seams, just what your dog needs on windy, rainy days. Plus it’s designed to be used with a harness and it has a handy leash opening that seals to keep water out.

In high-traffic areas and places that have poor lighting, the Hurtta Safety Wrap ECO can really come in handy. It’s a light vest that has an adjustable stretch waistband for a great fit that won’t limit your dog’s natural movement. It offers protection from wind and rain but its main highlight is a full-coverage reflective print that guarantees excellent visibility from all sides when light hits it. And it’s made with a soft, durable recycled ECO material. It can also be used with a leash or harness.

Another great option is the Hurtta Zhero Safety Bandana ECO because it offers great visibility with less coverage than the Safety Wrap ECO vest, making it ideal for dogs that aren’t accustomed to wearing dog apparel. Its playful patterned print is highly reflective and covers the entire scarf. It’s also great for furry dogs because even if their collars have reflective qualities it can be difficult to pick up the light if their thick coat covers the collar. And what doggo wouldn’t look cute in a stylish scarf?

Reflective products increase the visibility of dogs threefold, enabling drivers to see them well in advance and avoid dangerous situations. Hurtta high visibility products for dogs are made from tested, high-quality reflectors and our collection includes several visibility test winners.