Whether it’s unconventional work hours, insomnia, a love of the nightlife, or simply that before-bedtime piddle that brings you outdoors with your dog in the dark, a growing assortment of glowing accouterments will brighten your late-hours time together. Here’s a sampling in the categories of leashes, collars, and toys.
LEASHES. A host of energy-efficient, LED-lit and reflective leashes will light your path, or at least make you and your dog visible to passing motorists.
We the Planet LED Dog Leash offers neon green lights that provide steady, flash, or strobe lighting for up to 90 hours per each replaceable battery. The lights are only on the top half of the leash, which is a plus for dog owners whose dogs show their enthusiasm on walks by biting on the part of the leash close to their muzzle. Priced at $11.99.
Dog-E-Glow Lighted LED Dog Leash comes in a variety of patterns, from American flags to skulls and even camo that, when lit by the LED lights, come to life in vivid color. The weather-resistant leash measures six feet and comes with four 2032 3V lithium coin cell batteries. The replaceable batteries last 150 hours and provide up to 100,000 hours of flashing or steady light. Available for $25.99 — $54.96 if you buy the matching collar.
Roadrunner Running Dog Leash Hands Free allows for hands-free walks, jogs, or hikes with your dog tethered securely by his leash to your waist strap. The adjustable strap and leash allow your dog to move off by a bit more than four feet. (It may not be ideal for dogs who are forceful pullers.) Comes in orange, blue, pink, red and black, with a LED light you attach for nighttime walking (the white light turns the color of the leash as it bleeds through the fabric) at a cost of $25.00.
PawPrince Double Dog Leash with Safety LED Light offers tangle-free walking of two dogs at once with an adjustable, nylon webbed leash, making it possible to manage any two dogs, no matter how disparate in size. An Ebook Guide explains how to use the leash, which comes with a 100 percent guarantee in case it breaks or doesn’t meet your approval. The lights, located on the single 12-inch handle — provide visibility and safety, and the apparatus is water resistant and will shine steadily or flash for up to 80 hours. Costs $35.47.
Paracord Paws Adjusting Multi-function Glow-in-The-Dark Walking Leash provides a low-tech alternative to LED leashes, glowing with a reflective strip that may not illuminate your path as you go, but which will make your dog and you visible to passing motorists. The washable leash comes in a variety of colors and patterns, from blue-coffee camo to green-purple to green-coyote brown, at $34.99.
L.L. Bean’s Reflective Pet Leash comes in lime green with a reflective silver strip that can be personalized with laser print of up to 35 characters — enough for your dog’s name and probably your phone number. The 6-foot leash sells for $24.95 —the same cost as that of the matching reflective collar.
Flexi 16-Feet Neon Reflect Retractable Belt Dog Leash comes in a variety of colors in a reflecting fabric from neon yellow to purple. The retractable leash also comes with a matching collar. Note that retractable leashes are not without risk, which is likely why Flexi recommends that anyone using the leash first read the “Special Precautions and Directions” pamphlet. To find out more, consumers can call the customer care number provided or visit the company’s web site at Flexilead.com. The 16-foot leash comes in small (for dogs up to 26 pounds); medium (for dogs up to 44 pounds); and large, (for dogs up to 110 pounds). Costs $13.70 to $19.83, depending on size.
Protocol Retractable Leash for Dogs comes with water bowl, treat compartment, baggie dispenser, LED light, and clock to take care of everything you might need for nighttime jaunts while camping in an unfamiliar area; or simply if you know you’ll be out for a long walk and want your dog to be able to have some provisions. Three AAA batteries are needed for the flashlight feature and one LR41 battery for the clock, which includes a date and time feature. Costs $24.99.
COLLARS. Like leashes, collars come in reflective and also in more visible, more high-tech LED options. Of course, there are reflective nametags and LED clip-ons for collars that can help make your dog more visible at night, but these products offer all-in-one convenience.
WalGap LED High Visibility Flashing Lights Nylon Dog Collar and Leash Set comes in blue, green, orange, red, yellow, and pink — each color lit from LED lights within the fabric that shine steadily or flash quickly or slowly for 60 to 100 hours of brightness. Fits small to extra-large dogs for $10.99.
GoDoggie-GLOW USB Rechargeable LED Dog Safety Collar lets you recharge the collar’s lights through your laptop, tablet, or smart TV with the USB cable included. No batteries needed. The weatherproof collar comes in small, medium, and large sizes and in six colors: blue, green, yellow, orange, red, and pink dotted by sequenced LED lights that shine through the colored fabric. Lights can flash or hold steady. From $15.99 to $17.99, depending on collar size.
PETBABA Pet Dog LED Lights Flash Night Safety Nylon Collar is a basic adjustable collar that comes in small, medium, and large sizes that flash or hold a steady light that shines for up to 80 hours through blue, green, yellow, red, orange, white, or pink nylon. Nicely priced at just $4.99 for all sizes.
KingMas Nylon Multicolour LED Dog Pet Flashing Light Up Safety Collar is a simply designed adjustable collar with a black-on-white cartoon that, when lit by glowing or flashing colored lights, shines in blue, green, orange, yellow, red, or pink in sizes from small to extra large. Visibility range is 656 feet. The battery-operated device can flash or glow steadily and costs $5.40 for all sizes.
GoTags Reflective Waterproof Dog Collar is a 100 percent waterproof collar that comes in hunter orange, blue, and hot pink with your pet’s name and phone number engraved by laser in print large enough to be visible without the reader having to get too close to your dog. The collars, which range in size from 20 to 26 inches, need only a rinse or wipe to stay clean. Priced at $21.95.
TOYS. Balls, Frisbees, and an assortment of other LED and glow-in-the-dark toys can make nighttime games and retrieval of toys a fun experience in the backyard.
Grriggles FUNdamentals Pop Pals Lighted Dog Ball has a nubby rubber exterior, lights up in pink or green when shaken or tossed, and squeaks when squeezed. Available for about $10.00.
Nite Ize MeteorLight K-9 LED Disc-O Dog Ball provides shifting colors with an on/off switch. The tennis ball-size toy works in most ball launcher gadgets that will throw the ball repeatedly for your dog. The Disc-O Dog Ball is also water resistant — and floats. Costs about $5.00.
Petmate Chuckit! Firefly LED Ball helps you throw the ball farther and also retrieve it without the ick factor of your dog’s slobber. Just scoop up the ball with the curved cup of the Chuckit, lift, and throw. Shifting bright colors allow your dog to spot the ball even when it’s still and makes it easier for you to retrieve if your pet gets distracted or bored. The package comes with two balls and two replacement batteries. Available on Amazon.com for $12.09.
Nite Ize Flashflight Dog Discuit Disc is a lightweight (4.5-ounce) color-shifting LED Frisbee-like disc, powered by two replaceable lithium batteries. Available for $12.90.
Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff Whistle Ball Dog Toy is a racket ball-sized, glow-in-the-dark toy that whistles when thrown, making it particularly well suited for dogs with compromised vision who can also benefit from its minty scent while working to locate it. Available at $9.34.
