Pets can hurt just like people. Whether it’s sore joints, wounds, or skin problems, they need gentle care. That’s where red light therapy for pets comes in. It uses soft red and near-infrared light to help your pet heal faster and feel better—without drugs or pain.

This therapy is safe, easy, and backed by science. Vets use it on dogs, cats, and even horses. It helps with pain, swelling, and slow healing.

In this article, you’ll learn how red light therapy works, how it helps animals, and why more pet owners are choosing it every day.

What is Red Light Therapy and How is it Used for Animals?

Red light therapy, also called LLLT (low-level laser therapy) or PBM, is a modern treatment that uses red and near-infrared light to help the body heal.

Unlike harsh lasers, RLT devices deliver light at a low power, meaning they don't generate heat or cause tissue damage.

If you want to read more about red light therapy then check our detailed guide about What is Red Light Therapy (RLT)?

For animals, this therapy means shining red or near-infrared light on certain parts of their body to help them feel better. The light penetrates the skin and is absorbed by the cells, kickstarting a natural healing process.

It’s a gentle and drug-free way that’s becoming popular in vet care because it helps reduce pain, speeds up healing, and makes pets feel better overall.

When and How Was Red Light Therapy First Used for Animals?

Red light therapy has been used for animals since the 1960s, when scientists first started studying how low-level laser light affects the body’s tissues. One of the earliest studies, conducted by Dr. Endre Mester in 1967, investigated the impact of laser light on hair growth in mice.

This groundbreaking research laid the foundation for photobiomodulation, revealing that specific wavelengths of light could stimulate cellular activity without causing harm.

Over the years, red light therapy moved from research labs to real-life use in animal care. By the 1980s, vets were using it to help horses with back pain and soft tissue injuries—and they saw great results.

Since then, research has expanded to include a wide range of animals, including dogs, cats, and even livestock like pigs and cows. Today, red light therapy is a recognized treatment for various conditions in pets, backed by a growing body of scientific evidence.

If you want to read more about red light therapy science, then check our detailed guide about The Science of Red Light Therapy: How It Works.

How Does Red Light Therapy Work for Pets?

Red light therapy works by delivering specific wavelengths of light typically between 600 and 850 nanometers to the skin and underlying tissues. These wavelengths penetrate the skin to reach muscles, joints, and bones, where they interact with cells to promote healing.

The light boosts the mitochondria—tiny engines inside cells—to make more energy (called ATP). This helps the body repair and heal faster.

It also helps release endorphins, which are natural pain relievers, and reduces swelling by improving blood flow.

For pets, this translates to faster recovery from injuries, reduced pain from chronic conditions, and improved skin health. Red light therapy is administered using devices like LED panels or laser wands, which are safe and well-tolerated by most animals.

What Types of Animals Use Red Light Therapy?

Early studies on red light therapy were mostly done on rats and mice. But over time, researchers tested it on many animals—like chickens, pigs, cows, fish, and even worms. These studies showed that the therapy can help in many ways.

Now, red light therapy is most often used for dogs, cats, and horses. These animals often have joint pain, skin issues, or injuries. This light therapy helps them heal faster and feel better in a safe and gentle way.

Red Light Therapy for Dogs

Red light therapy for dogs has helped with many issues—from bone injuries to skin problems. In 2017, a study in the Journal of Veterinary Science looked at how red light therapy helped dogs before bone surgery. The results showed it supported healing and recovery in a safe, effective way.

The study involved 27 dogs, with one group receiving red light therapy before surgery and the other receiving a sham treatment. After eight weeks, a higher percentage of dogs in the light therapy group had fully healed compared to the control group.

Another study confirmed that near-infrared wavelengths accelerated bone healing in dogs, making it a valuable tool for orthopedic recovery.

Dogs with herniated discs also benefit from red light therapy. A 2012 study published in the Journal of Small Animal Practice found that dogs receiving daily red light therapy for five days after surgery for intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) regained the ability to walk sooner than those without the treatment. This therapy is particularly helpful for senior dogs or those with mobility issues caused by spinal conditions.

Red light therapy also works well for skin issues in dogs, like pododermatitis—an inflammation that affects their paws. In a 2016 study, dogs treated with red light therapy showed clear improvements. After 65 days, many had smaller lesions or their skin fully healed.

This makes red light therapy a natural, non-invasive option for managing skin irritations and promoting healing in dogs.

Red Light Therapy for Horses

Horses, particularly those involved in competitive sports, often suffer from chronic pain and injuries that can hinder their performance. Red light therapy has proven to be a game-changer for equine health.

A 1987 study involving 14 horses with chronic back pain found that weekly infrared light therapy sessions over an average of 11 weeks significantly improved pain levels. Ten of the horses were able to return to training and competition, with nine maintaining their performance a year later.

Another study explored the effects of red light therapy on soft tissue injuries in horses. Eight horses with wounds in the mid-metacarpal region of their legs were treated with a 635nm red light wavelength.

After 80 days, the treated horses had fully healed, while the control group was still recovering. The therapy promoted tissue regeneration, reduced inflammation, and alleviated pain, making it an effective treatment for equine injuries.

Advanced devices like the Glaminor LED/Red Light Therapy Panel, which combine multiple wavelengths including 635nm, enhance these benefits by delivering synergistic light therapy.

What Are the Health Benefits of Red Light Therapy for Pets?

Red light therapy offers a range of health benefits for pets, particularly for senior animals or those with chronic conditions.

Research in trusted sources like the Journal of Veterinary Science and the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association shows that red light therapy helps reduce pain, speed up healing, and boost overall health in animals.

Pain Relief and Inflammation Reduction

One of the primary benefits of red light therapy for pets is its ability to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. By stimulating endorphin release and improving blood flow, the therapy provides natural pain relief for conditions like arthritis, muscle strains, and joint injuries.

For example, dogs with hip dysplasia or intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) often experience improved mobility and reduced discomfort after red light therapy sessions.

Faster Healing for Wounds and Surgeries

Red light therapy promotes the growth of new blood vessels and collagen, which speeds up the healing of wounds and surgical incisions.

Studies, such as one published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, have shown that red light therapy enhances incision healing in dogs, reducing recovery time and improving outcomes. This is particularly beneficial for pets recovering from orthopedic surgeries or traumatic injuries.

Improved Skin Health

For pets with dermatological issues like hot spots or pododermatitis, red light therapy offers a non-invasive solution. By reducing inflammation and promoting tissue repair, it helps heal skin lesions and improves overall skin health. This makes it an excellent option for dogs and cats with chronic skin conditions.

Enhanced Joint and Orthopedic Health

Red light therapy is particularly effective for pets with orthopedic conditions. Clinical studies, such as those in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, demonstrate that it improves joint health, reduces pain, and enhances mobility in dogs with conditions like hip dysplasia. This therapy is a valuable tool for senior pets or those with chronic joint disorders.

Dr. Laurie Brush, founder of Heaven at Home Pet Hospice, emphasizes the potential of red light therapy: “It offers a non-invasive, drug-free treatment option with promising medical benefits for managing pain, enhancing orthopedic health, and improving quality of life.”

As veterinary medicine advances, red light therapy is transforming how pet parents and veterinarians care for aging or injured animals.

Is Red Light Therapy Safe for Pets?

Yes, absolutely! Red Light Therapy for Pets is widely considered a safe, low-risk treatment. Numerous peer-reviewed studies and clinical trials consistently demonstrate that animals tolerate Red Light Therapy treatments exceptionally well, with very few, if any, side effects.

In fact, a review focusing on RLT for chronic joint disorders concluded that these treatments are "drug free and relatively side-effect free and seem to work where pharmaceuticals do not."

Always consult your veterinarian before starting any new treatment for your pet, especially if they have pre-existing health conditions. They can provide personalized advice and ensure Red Light Therapy is the right choice for your companion

Conclusion

Incorporating red light therapy for pets into your animal’s wellness routine can be a game-changer. This non-invasive, drug-free treatment is proven to reduce pain, boost healing, and enhance mobility making it ideal for pets dealing with arthritis, injuries, or post-surgical recovery.

Backed by science and supported by veterinarians, red light therapy is a trusted solution for dogs, cats, and even horses. Whether you're a dedicated pet parent or a professional in animal care, choosing red light therapy means choosing comfort and better health. For best results, consult your vet and opt for trusted devices like Glaminor’s advanced red light solutions.

Sources and References:

1. Godine RL. Low level laser therapy (LLLT) in veterinary medicine. Photomed Laser Surg. 2014 Jan;32(1):1-2
2. Gross DM. Introduction to therapeutic lasers in a rehabilitation setting. Top Companion Anim Med. 2014 Jun;29(2):49-53
3. Mester E, Szende B, Tota JG. Effect of laser on hair growth of mice. Kiserl Orvostud. 1967;19:628-631
4. Pryor B, Millis DL. Therapeutic laser in veterinary medicine. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2015 Jan;45(1):45-56
5. Hamblin M. Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. AIMS Biophysics. 2017 May
6. Escudero JSB, Perez MGB, et al. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) in bone repair: A systematic review. Injury. 2019 Nov;50(11):1853-1867.
7. Draper WE, Schubert TA, et al. Low-level laser therapy reduces time to ambulation in dogs after hemilaminectomy. J Small Anim Pract. 2012 Aug;53(8):465-9.
8. Wardlaw JL, Gazzola KM, et al. Laser therapy for incision healing in 9 dogs. Front Vet Sci. 2019;5:349.