Are LED Dog Collars Safe for My Dog?

From identification to fashion statements, dog collars serve a myriad of purposes. This makes them an essential piece of equipment in your furball’s wardrobe. If you’re looking to add a little touch of sassiness to their neckwear or simply need them to be more visible during late-night walks, consider getting an LED collar for them.

A piece of electrical equipment strapped to your pup’s small neck can seem scary. So, today, we’ll break down LED dog collars for you and explain whether or not they are safe for your four-legged friend. We’ll also equip you with some general safety tips when using LED collars for your doggo.

With that said, let’s jump right in!

What Is an LED Dog Collar? How Does it Work?

As the name suggests, LED dog collars are equipped with LEDs or light-emitting diodes. The light generated from these bulbs is sharper and cleaner than your average electrical bulb. Also, you can go crazy with the color spectrum since LED lights come in a plethora of shades. The light’s bright nature means you can illuminate your late-night walks. So no need to worry if your dog will be visible to ongoing drivers.

LED Collars for Dogs: Safety Tips

As we previously mentioned LED lights are one of the safest sources of heat-generated light. Still, if you’re not willing to take any risks when it comes to your dog’s safety, here are some safety tips for using LED collars:

Say no to chewing

LED dog collars are usually powered with the help of 3-volt lithium-ion batteries. The material used to make these batteries is highly corrosive. If ingested, this corrosive material can restrict the blood flowing into your dog’s gastrointestinal tissue. Within 30 minutes, this can lead to necrosis (tissue death).

This is why manufacturers of LED dog collars ensure their product is durable and can’t be chewed through easily. Still, if your doggo is rather chew-friendly, consider skipping an LED neckwear. Moreover, it is for this very reason, regardless of your pooch’s chewing habits, that you should never let your dog out of sight when they have an LED collar on.

Proper fit is Important

An LED collar for dogs, like any dog collar, can lead to neck strain, matted fur, or irritation if the fit is all wrong. So, ensure the one you opt for is adequately sized according to your dog’s neck and doesn’t contain any materials your pooch is allergic to.

As far as the fit goes, a good rule of thumb is to go for something loose enough to allow two fingers to pass through. You can also opt for cuttable LED dog collars, which are a great option for all dogs. These collars allow you to cut the LED strip to the size of your liking.

Don’t forget epilepsy

Some LED collars for dogs offer a solid color light, while others have the option to toggle strobing effects. Such effects can cause epileptic seizures in dogs and humans prone to epilepsy. So, it is often best to ditch such collars or keep the strobing effects off when walking through a busy area.

Final Thoughts

An LED dog collar is completely safe for your paw pal. In fact, this collar will enhance your pooch’s security by making it more visible to passing motorists during late-night walks. This type of dog collar will also help illuminate the way and will surely turn some heads.

Still, the corrosive nature of its batteries means you should be careful with LED collars if your dog likes to chew on things. Also, you should consider the light patterns the collar offers if your dog is prone to epileptic seizures.