You know those twilight hours right when the sun rises and sets? When it’s just bright enough out that you don’t need your full lights on, but not quite bright enough where you can really see what’s ahead?
Those are dangerous hours for walking your dog.
It’s not that drivers are purposefully blowing past leashes and dogs in the street. They simply don’t see them.
But if they did… would they stop?
Dogs are small and close to the ground. They hide in shadows. And most drivers don’t notice them until it’s too late.
Luckily, there’s an easy way to prevent these accidents from happening to you.
And it doubles as a super stylish pet accessory.
Enter: Custom dog collars and accessories.
What’s Covered Here:
- Why Visibility is More Important Than Ever For Pets
- How Reflective Dog Collars Work
- Important Features of Custom Dog Collars and Accessories
- Buying The Right Reflective Dog Collar
- Care and Cleaning Tips
Why Visibility is More Important Than Ever For Pets
When it comes to pet safety, there are some regulations you need to follow. But a lot of it is just common sense.
You know your dog is family. You treat them that way. So why risk their life by taking them for a walk when it’s not fully visible outside?
Statistics show that approximately 100,000 pets are involved in road accidents each year in the United States. But here’s the kicker. Most of these accidents occur in the early mornings and evenings.
That means a time of day when it’s just not very visible out.
What most pet owners don’t realize is that…
70% of these incidents are caused by poor visibility.
That’s right. 7 out of 10 accidents involving our furry friends could have been avoided if they were more visible.
That is where custom dog collars and accessories can come in handy.
There are tons of affordable collars on the market from brands like Mimi Green pet collars that allow you to keep your pup visible, even when the sun isn’t fully out.
Remember these statistics next time you go to take your pup outside. And get yourself a reflective dog collar while you’re at it.
The life you save could be your dogs.
How Reflective Dog Collars Work
Speaking of reflective dog collars. How do they even work?
They use something called retroreflection. Essentially when light hits the reflective material on the collar, it bounces back towards the source of the light.
That means when a drivers headlights hit your dogs collar, all of that light is reflecting right back at them. Making your dog appear as a glowing beacon on the road.
Here’s why this matters:
- Drivers will see your dog from several hundred feet away
- Reflective material works from various angles
- No batteries or charging required
- Works in all types of weather
Yes, there are LED collars out there that can light up your dog. But what happens when they aren’t charged? Or the LED stops working? You might as well wrap your dog in black bubble wrap.
That’s not to say LED collars don’t work. They actually work great for nighttime visibility.
Reflective collars are preferred because they work when you need them to the most. When those headlights hit that reflective material it will absolutely shine like a highlighter.
Technology has also come a long way with these reflective materials. They are now more lightweight, flexible, and durable than ever.
Important Features of Custom Dog Collars and Accessories
When choosing your own reflective dog collar, there are a couple key features you should look for.
Reflective Material
As you can imagine, the more reflective material on the collar, the better.
Some “decorative” collars have thin lines of reflective material. That isn’t enough. You want to look for wide strips of reflective material. And ideally reflectivity on multiple surfaces of the collar.
Durability and Make
Like with any piece of equipment that you’re going to throw on your dog everyday, durability is important.
You want your custom collar to be made from quality materials that will last. Plus, reinforced stitching to help it stay that way.
Another helpful feature? Adjustable fit options.
Sure, you can measure your dog’s neck and buy that size. But what happens when they grow or lose weight? Or you simply want it to fit tighter or looser. Having that adjustability will ensure a proper fit every time.
Style
Safety doesn’t have to be boring. In fact, when it comes to custom collars and accessories you can really let your dogs personality shine.
Many companies offer multiple color options. Patterns. Engravings. You name it.
There are tons of options out there that allow you to showcase your dogs personality while keeping them visible at night.
Buying The Right Reflective Dog Collar
Just like any other collar, you want to make sure you are getting the right fit.
Here are some things to take into consideration when looking for a reflective dog collar.
Size
Speaking of fit, be sure you are getting the right size collar for your dog.
Measure their neck while they’re standing up. Add about two inches to that length. That should be the maximum length your dog collar should be.
If you have a larger dog, you will want a collar with a thicker piece of hardware. Same goes for thinner collars for your smaller pups.
Activity Levels
Is your dog a swimmer? Love to hike through thick trees? Do they play and wrestle at the dog park?
These are all factors you should consider when buying your dog a new collar. Not only will you want a reflective collar, but you may want to buy:
- Quick dry materials for swimming
- Collars with maximum reflectivity for urban walkers
- Heavy duty collar material and hardware for tough puppies
Climate
Where you live plays a huge role in the type of collar you should get.
Hot? Look for breathable collars that won’t cause your dog to overheat.
Lots of rain? Make sure the material you buy retains its reflectivity when wet.
Remember that just because you aren’t walking your dog in the rain, doesn’t mean they won’t encounter water. Puddles. Lawn sprinklers. Dog pools.
Daytime Visibility
As much as we want night to never come. Sometimes you will need to take your dog out when the sun is still up.
Maybe you work nights. Maybe you like to take your dog on afternoon strolls.
Regardless of the reason, you should always think about visibility during the daytime.
Light colors that pair well with reflective materials can help keep your dog visible in the fog, snow, and even thick wooded areas.
Care and Cleaning Tips
Like any other pet collar. Reflective dog collars should be washed regularly.
How you clean them depends on the collar. But for most, hand washing with warm water and soap is best. You don’t want to ruin the reflective materials with harsh chemicals.
Make sure your dog is completely dry before having them wear the collar again.
Lastly, be sure you are frequently inspecting your dog’s collar for any damage. Things happen. But if that reflective material starts to fade, crack or tear. It’s time for a new collar.
Don’t risk your dogs safety by using old worn down gear. Replace any equipment that no longer does its job.
Combining Safety Accessories
While reflective collars are a great way to keep your dog visible on walks. Why not pair them with other safety equipment?
Consider using reflective leashes and harnesses for maximum visibility.
Adding a reflective dog bandana never hurts either.
Wrapping It Up
Investing in custom dog collars and accessories that allow you to keep your pet safe at night is crucial.
Pet safety should NEVER be taken lightly. And sadly, these accidents we discussed happen far too often.
70% of those accidents can be prevented by purchasing a quality reflective dog collar.
That one simple piece of equipment can mean the difference between life and death for your dog.
Don’t become a statistic. Invest in your dogs safety.
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