From nighttime walks to early morning jogs, there are many times you and your dog need to wear easily visible gear. We rounded up a list of the top, vet-approved reflective dog harnesses to keep your dog safe.
Not only does the Noxgear LightHound Harness feature neon fabric, but it also has rechargeable LED lights rather than batteries that need replacing. Durable and weatherproof, the harness is adjustable and comes in several sizes.
The Ruffwear flagline harness is an excellent choice for dogs that like to go on adventures with their people, such as hikes, or for working dogs. While the reflective nature of this harness could be a little better, it’s incredibly adjustable and available in a wide range of sizes. Because of this, the Ruffwear Flagline Harness is ideal for deep-chested dog breeds, like German Shepherds, and more barrel-chested ones, like Tibetan Mastiffs.
This soft, cushioned vest harness features two leash buckles so that you can attach the leash to the front or back. The rabbitgoo dog harness has special reflective tape along the seams. While the reflective properties aren’t as vibrant as others on our list, we were impressed by the durable and secure design.
Adjustable and available in a wide range of sizes, the Bolux harness provides a secure and comfortable fit ideal for dogs that deal with joint issues and pain. The only downside is that you can only attach the leash to the back. The solid-colored harness is available in 28 bright colors that aid visibility, along with reflective strips along the seams. There’s also an extra loop for attaching a flashlight.
This fluorescent orange vest with the reflective gray dots and strips ensures your dog stands out. Perfect for outdoor activities, the SPOT THE DOG! reflective vest is lightweight and water-resistant. While it isn’t a harness, you can slip a harness over the vest or attach a collar and leash instead. It’s offered in a wide range of sizes, but currently, it only fits dogs who weigh 20 pounds or more.
Here are the three biggest things to look for when selecting a reflective harness for your dog:
When selecting a reflective dog harness or vest, pay attention to the amount of reflective material on it as well as the type. In the case of the SPOT THE DOG! vest in particular, almost everything on the harness has a reflective property, including neon reflective polyester and reflective fabric tape.
Harnesses, like clothing, aren’t always one-size-fits-all. It’s best to measure your dog before making a purchase. Be sure to use a cloth measuring tape and measure across the neck and girth of your dog.
For dogs that are still growing and on the cusp of a size, consider selecting the next size up to avoid replacing the harness sooner rather than later, and to ensure a comfortable fit.
You’ll also want to consider durability. While you don’t want to put harnesses through the proverbial ringer, you should consider the construction and durability of a harness before making a purchase.
The betterpet experts developed a set of criteria and then combed through reviews of users in real-world situations. Those factors included:
The writers, editors, and staff at betterpet are pet parents, and we know the value of accurate, trustworthy information. Because of this, the content we create is reviewed and approved by our vets. We also update our product articles regularly to ensure products are still available and haven’t changed.
A reflective harness can help keep your dog safe at night, but you should still train your dog not to walk in front of cars and watch them extra closely after dark. If you purchase one of the harnesses on our list, we’d welcome your feedback on this form so that we can ensure our reviews stay accurate.
Police dogs wear tactical harnesses while on duty. These harnesses have many benefits for larger dogs, particularly working dogs, and often include the option to add dog labels or even to add or swap out reflective materials as needed.
Technically, dogs can wear a harness all the time. However, the best practice is to remove the harness at night. This is especially true for long-haired dogs that run the risk of matted fur and tangles. It also allows dogs to rest more comfortably at night.
Harnesses are typically more comfortable for dogs because they reduce the pull that comes from a collar. A harness can also function as a thunder jacket for some dogs. Such calming vests apply gentle pressure and trigger the release of calming hormones, like how swaddling works for infants.
In addition to a reflective harness or vest, reflective boots can boost your dog’s visibility. Plus, they protect their paws from hot and cold pavement, glass, and other sharp objects.
