The Incredible Benefits of Red Light Therapy for Pets

As pet owners, we constantly strive to provide the best care possible for our furry companions. Red light therapy has gained attention for its potential to improve the health and well-being of our pets. Originally developed for human use, this non-invasive treatment has shown great promise in assisting with various conditions and promoting healing in our beloved family members just like us! In this article, we will discuss the history of red light therapy for pets, explore its potential benefits, and highlight current research supporting its effectiveness.

A Brief History:
The origins of red light therapy can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where sunlight was recognized for its healing properties. Fast forward to the late 20th century when NASA began experimenting with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to promote plant growth during space missions. Scientists soon discovered that these LEDs also had positive effects on human tissue regeneration and wound healing. Read our blog on this topic here. This breakthrough paved the way for the development of red light therapy as we know it today. 

Red Light Therapy for Pets:
The application of red light therapy for pets and animals was a natural progression, given its success in human medicine. Veterinarians began exploring its potential benefits for pets suffering from a wide range of conditions, including joint pain, skin disorders, wound healing, and inflammation. Red light therapy involves exposing the affected area to low-level red and/or near-infrared light, which penetrates the skin and stimulates cellular processes without causing any discomfort to the animal.

Benefits and Effectiveness:
1. Pain Relief: Red light therapy has been found to alleviate pain in pets, particularly those experiencing musculoskeletal issues like arthritis or hip dysplasia. It promotes the release of endorphins, natural pain-relieving chemicals, which can help reduce discomfort and improve mobility. In this study published in 2022 by the American Veterinary Medical Association, canines with bilateral hip osteoarthritis were studied and the results showed improved joint range of motion. Results were seen with consistent use for a period of 6-15 days.

2. Wound Healing: Studies have demonstrated that red light therapy accelerates wound healing in animals. The red or near-infrared light stimulates collagen production and increases blood flow to the affected area, facilitating tissue repair and reducing the risk of infection. In this study published in 2008 by Dermatologic surgery, mice exposed to 670nm red light showed significantly faster healing.

3. Skin Conditions: Pets suffering from dermatological issues such as hot spots, allergic reactions, or fungal infections can benefit from light therapy. In fact, a combination of blue light followed up by red/near-infrared light can be a powerful combination for tackling skin conditions. Light therapy has been shown to reduce inflammation, soothe irritated skin, and promote the healing of damaged tissue. In fact, one study on cats has even shown positive results in the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma with red light therapy!

4. Anxiety and Stress Reduction: Red light therapy has calming effects on pets, helping to alleviate anxiety and stress. This can be especially beneficial for pets with separation anxiety, noise phobias, or those recovering from trauma or surgery.

Current Research:
While red light therapy is still a relatively new area of study in veterinary medicine, initial research findings are encouraging. Additionally, ongoing research is exploring the potential benefits of red light therapy in other areas, such as wound healing in horses and reducing post-operative pain in small animals. These studies provide promising evidence of light therapy's effectiveness and expand the possibilities for future applications in veterinary medicine.

Red light therapy for pets can help alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and promote healing in animals suffering from various health issues. It's also a non-invasive procedure, which is perfect for pets who get nervous during general wellness and grooming sessions. So, why not give red light therapy a try? Your pet will thank you! Check out our available devices and reach out with any questions!