Advantages of Red Light Therapy for Animals: Solution for Pain Relief and Healing

Affecting 8-20% of dogs in the UK, osteoarthritis underscores the critical need for effective treatments- one of these is red light therapy. 

But some of you may be wondering if the advantages of red light therapy also apply to our dogs. Similar to humans, red light therapy also works on animals. But how does it work for them? Like us humans, our dogs are prone to osteoarthritis and any other illnesses or injuries- joint pain,  hip dysplasia and immobility. 

At Rojo Light Therapy, we understand that vet bills may be costly and time-consuming. In this article, we will explore how red light therapy, while being cost-effective and time-efficient, can offer benefits to our dogs.  

How does red light therapy work with animals? 

Red light therapy was first used in the early 1960’s by Dr. Endre Mester. The study used mice as a subject, and he observed that the mice grew their hair faster compared to untreated animals, using red light therapy. 

Eventually, horse trainers started to use red light therapy to help their horses recover from wounds and injuries. 

Nowadays, as the veterinary field continues to evolve, red light therapy is also used for dogs and other animals. 

Red light therapy is also known for encouraging the growth of blood vessels and collagen, which potentially accelerates the healing process of wounds or surgical incisions. This was supported by a 2017 study that observed 27 dogs that were divided into two- one of which received red light therapy treatment. After eight weeks of therapy, a larger number of dogs that underwent red light therapy healed faster than those who didn’t. This study was also supported by another study which found that infrared wavelengths contributed to faster healing in dogs. 

Journal of Veterinary Science reports that red light therapy can relieve our pets from discomfort caused by muscle strains, arthritis, or joint injuries by stimulating the release of endorphins- the body’s natural painkillers. This assertion finds validation in another study- showing that light therapy increased the physical activities of dogs with osteoarthritis and may be used as a therapy to reduce chronic joint pain. 

What are the advantages of red light therapy

• Non-invasive: It utilises a low level of light energy that penetrates our skin, making it safe and a gentle treatment option- compared to UV light which has been linked to skin cancer since it may damage our skin cells. 
• Pain-free: Since it emits a low-level laser, it will not burn or damage your dog’s skin.
• Handy: Red light therapy devices can now be brought home, allowing for more accessible and cost-effective treatment options. These devices come in different sizes to suit different needs and areas of treatment.

Though applying red light therapy to your pet is very simple and straightforward, it is still important to consult with a veterinarian for guidance and personalised advice.

Why Rojo Light Therapy for your red light therapy device

Rojo Light Therapy prioritises the safety and effectiveness of our devices - rigorously tested and certified, ensuring that we meet the highest standard. 

So whether you are choosing red light therapy for you or your fur baby, feel free to contact us for our personalised guidance and recommendations.