Red light therapy is an excellent treatment for muscle aches, skin rejuvenation, and hair restoration. But man’s best friend can benefit from it, too. This article explores red light therapy for dogs: what it is, conditions you can treat at home, how-to’s, and safety information. Check out the BIOMAX Series for optimal red light therapy treatment. Understanding Red Light Therapy Treatment for Dogs Many dogs hate going to the vet. Even if red light therapy is an available treatment at a veterinary clinic, the dog’s stress with the experience (not to mention the hassle and the cost) can leave pet owners wondering if it’s worth it. Many veterinarians use red light therapy to treat dogs. LED technology has evolved to the point where at-home medical grade light therapy devices make it easy to treat your dog in the comfort of home as well. Red light therapy is a natural, non-invasive and touch-free treatment that uses therapeutic red and near-infrared light to stimulate beneficial biological activity in the body. In a way, it’s like photosynthesis in plants. Red light therapy stimulates energy production in the mitochondria of the cells. These tiny cellular ‘batteries’ convert raw materials (food, water, air, and light) into fuel for the cells. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) fuels the cells so they can perform their intended functions, repair, and regenerate themselves. This function occurs in all mammals, which is why it works on dogs as well as it does on humans. Red light therapy increases the number of mitochondria in the body and boosts their ability to function more effectively. Once the cells are able to produce more energy, the ripple effect quickly starts to affect the tissues. This scientifically validated treatment is widely used in humans to reduce chronic inflammation, improve skin health, boost circulation, accelerate wound healing, and relieve pain. It has the same benefits for a furry friend. Since the 1960s, red light therapy has been used on racehorses to help them recover from tendon/ligament injuries. Red light can also become an important part of a dog’s wellness routine. Common Canine Conditions Treated by Red Light Therapy Let’s look at some common canine conditions that you can treat at home with red light therapy. Please note that red light therapy isn’t intended to replace your veterinarian’s prescriptions or protocols. It should be used as an additional therapy to speed up healing. Red Light Therapy for Wound Healing for Dogs Red and NIR light supports healing by promoting the growth of new skin cells, collagen, and elastin. It also helps minimize the formation of scar tissue that can impair mobility by promoting the regeneration of normal skin. If your dog has cuts or abrasions on the paws or anywhere else on the body, red light can soothe the pain and speed up healing. Red Light Therapy for Arthritis and Joint Health Issues in Dogs Reducing pain and inflammation are two key benefits of red light therapy. Senior pets with arthritis, dogs with hip dysplasia, or any dog recovering from an injury such as torn ligaments can benefit from this soothing treatment. Red light therapy has been used successfully in hundreds of clinical trials to treat knee arthritis in people. Since pets’ joints are smaller, the light can absorb even deeper into their joints. Short term, dogs will benefit from the analgesic (pain-relieving) properties of red light. Long-term, reducing chronic inflammation can help slow the progression of osteoarthritis and help regain your dog’s mobility. Red Light Therapy for Improving Skin Health in Dogs Dogs are just as prone to skin conditions as humans. Some have sensitive skin. Some have allergies. Some have alopecia, or hair loss. Dog allergies are the result of an exaggerated immune response triggered by normally harmless substances. These can include food, household chemicals, insect bites, and plants. Any abnormal skin conditions can cause pain, itching, redness, swelling, and hair loss. Allergy treatments usually mean topical or oral medications, and dogs must wear a cone to prevent licking irritated skin. Red light therapy can treat the uncomfortable symptoms of skin allergies. It can help balance an overactive immune response, promote skin healing, reduce pain, and improve blood flow to the area to speed up healing. Red Light Therapy for Injury Recovery in Dogs Dogs are pretty tough, but they can get injured. Cuts or abrasions on their paws, joint sprains, and bone breaks can be successfully treated with red light therapy. Red light therapy can also treat injuries deeper in the body. It boosts the production of osteocytes, which are bone cells that help regrow bone after a fracture. It boosts the production of stem cells, which are the ‘masters cells’ that the body mobilizes for tissue repair. And, it can help with nerve health in case of a traumatic injury that leaves a dog with numbness or extreme sensitivity. Red Light Therapy for Oral Health in Dogs Red light therapy can boost the health of your dog’s gums and teeth. Many senior dogs develop oral problems including gingivitis, receding gums, and painful teeth. Dog owners can use red light therapy to regrow gum tissue, relieve pain, and kill harmful bacteria in the mouth. How to Use Red Light Therapy For Your Dog Most dogs enjoy a red light therapy session. It’s the perfect opportunity to spend some time together, basking in the soothing light Bonus: you can benefit at the same time! It’s perfect for restless or high-energy dogs since they don’t have to sit perfectly still. And, you can skip the stressful visit to the vet! Here’s what you’ll need for the best results. Choosing The Best Red Light Therapy Device for Dogs RLT Panels like the BIOMAX series are easier to use and will yield better results. Panels give users a much larger treatment area along with the freedom to control your dog if he’s fidgety, or pet your dog for an even more relaxing experience. They also have significantly more light energy output. This is essential, since a dog’s fur will block some light from reaching the skin. Handheld devices are not recommended because they’re underpowered and can only treat a very small area at a time. You may also need another person to hold the dog while you give the treatment. Treatment Tips for Using Red Light Therapy for Dogs Your dog can sit or lie down - whatever is comfortable — as long as the light can shine directly on the area you want to treat. If you’re treating a wound, make sure the area is clean, unbandaged, and free of any creams or ointments. There’s no need to touch the wound with the light. A distance of 6”-12” from the device is recommended. Thick fur will affect how much light reaches the skin. If you’re treating a skin condition on a particularly shaggy dog, you could gently pet the dog during the treatment, separating the fur in sections to give the skin maximum light exposure. It may also be better to shave around a particular wound to allow for better light access. In some cases, a veterinarian is already likely to have shaved the area around a wound for treatment purposes. Exposing a dog’s belly to red light therapy treatment may also be preferable, where it’s usually less hairy. Treating the gut with light has been shown to improve overall health and accelerate healing, and there’s less fur on a dog’s underside so even more light will absorb into the tissues. Treatment Time and Frequency For humans, sessions are generally 5-20 minutes, and this is fine for pets as well. There are no side effects, unless users spend way too much time using red light therapy, and even then, they are very minor. Daily or 3-4 sessions per week will support existing and emerging cells. Cells are constantly turning over, so consistent treatment will support cells in all of their life stages throughout the healing process. Once you see the results you want, you can decrease the treatment frequency to 1-2 sessions per week as a preventative measure, to maintain results, and to support your dog’s wellbeing. BIOMAX Series for Optimal Results One of the biggest benefits of using the BIOMAX series for your dog is that it’s completely hands-free. You can give even the most restless dog a soothing treatment while you’re petting them or while they’re napping. Using a high light-energy output device such as the BIOMAX 600 will treat your dog’s whole body while ensuring plenty of light photons make their way into the cells of the skin, muscles, connective tissues, and organs. Your pet will benefit from a combination of red and near infrared light, as well as trace amounts of blue light to kill bacteria on the skin, and infrared light to penetrate even deeper into the joints, organs, and bones. Another key benefit is that the BIOMAX panels are very powerful. Even if your dog ends up further away from the device or is extra fluffy, the high light energy output means that adequate light will reach your dog’s skin and beyond. Explore what red light therapy can do for you as well, since you’ll be joining your furry friend in red light sessions! The Learning Center is a wealth of information on the many benefits of red light therapy.
