accessory necessarily has this meaning. A dog may simply be wearing something yellow because its owner likes the color.
Context matters, and the safest approach is to respect the owner’s request for space if the yellow item is clearly being used as a signal.
Why This Simple Signal Can Be Helpful
Dogs can’t explain to strangers that they’re frightened, recovering from surgery, easily overwhelmed, or simply not interested in being touched.
A visible signal gives owners another way to communicate.
It can also help prevent uncomfortable encounters before they happen.