Scientific Proof Supporting Canine Light Therapy
Studies have shown that red and near-infrared light can stimulate cellular activity. This can reduce swelling and inflammation, and help support pain relief. Studies also suggest that low-level laser therapy can help expedite recovery after procedures, and with less pain than traditional pain-relief methods. This is particularly beneficial in addressing chronic pain conditions like arthritis. Other studies show how light therapy can help with things like skin conditions, open wounds, and pain management. It can even be incorporated into your dog’s daily routine for overall health benefits. Some research suggests that regular light therapy sessions may even help prevent injury or disease as your dog ages.
The Difference Between Red Light and Infrared Light for Dogs
Now that you know a little more about red and infrared light and potential therapies for dogs, you might be wondering, “what’s the difference?”Though they are similar, they each have unique properties and benefits, especially when helping our furry friends feel better.
Red Light: The Surface Healer
Red light therapy uses wavelengths of light that you can see (that red light), usually in the range of 630-700 nanometers (nm). This type of light doesn’t penetrate very deeply into the body. This makes it perfect for treating surface-level issues. So, if your dog has skin problems, minor wounds, or even some shallow joint pain, red light therapy could be super effective.
Dog health providers often share that red light is great for:
- Healing Wounds: It can speed up the healing process for cuts and abrasions by boosting collagen production and improving blood circulation.
- Reducing Inflammation: If your pup has a rash, hot spots, or other skin irritations, red light can help calm things down.
- Easing Mild Pain: It’s helpful for minor aches, especially in joints or muscles near the surface of the skin.
Infrared Light: The Deep Tissue Expert
On the other hand, infrared light is invisible. It has longer wavelengths, typically around 700-1,000 nm or more, which allows it to penetrate deeper into the body. It’s perfect for reaching muscles, joints, and even bones. It’s like the heavyweight of light therapy, perfect for more serious issues.
Infrared light is particularly useful for:
- Deep Tissue Pain Relief: Whether your dog is dealing with arthritis or muscle injuries, infrared light can reach deep into tissues, providing relief and promoting healing.
- Improving Joint Health: It’s great for managing conditions like arthritis or hip dysplasia, as it can reduce inflammation and improve mobility.
- Supporting Recovery from Surgery: If your dog has had a surgical procedure, infrared light can help speed up the recovery process by promoting deeper tissue healing.
Using Red and Infrared Light Together
Sometimes, red and infrared lights are used together in a therapy session to get the best of both worlds. The red light handles the surface stuff, like skin and shallow joint issues, while the infrared light goes deeper to tackle more significant problems. If your dog has a couple of different issues, like a skin issue on top of joint pain, your dog’s healthcare team may recommend this combo because it can be super helpful.
Choosing the Right Light Therapy for Your Dog
If you’re trying to decide if light therapy is right for your dog, think about what you’re trying to help support and discuss those with your dog’s health team. Is it surface level? Red light might be enough. But if you’re dealing with deeper or more chronic issues, like joint problems or muscle injuries, infrared light is probably the way to go.
Both red and infrared light have their unique benefits, and understanding these differences can help you choose the best therapy for your dog. As always, it’s best to chat with your holistic vet to figure out the right treatment plan for your furry friend.
How Does Red Light Therapy Help Dogs?
So how can special light treatment benefit our furry friends? Basically, it does just what it does for humans. It boosts the healing process of wounds or inflammation by increasing energy production at a cellular level. Red light therapy also helps your dog produce more collagen. Collagen is a protein that helps with wound healing and also maintaining skin and joint health in humans and in dogs.
Near-infrared light can go deep into tissue and that can make it helpful for joint pain or issues with injuries.
Conditions Light Therapy Can Help in Dogs
Light therapy can really be helpful for dogs dealing with pain or arthritis. It can also help injuries heal more quickly or bring relief if they’re in pain. Some people use red light therapy for hot spots or eczema for their dogs, and others use light therapy to help with allergy symptoms as well.
Some veterinarians even use it as part of surgical recovery processes as it can help incisions heal more quickly.
Using a Red Light Therapy Device at Home
You can give your dog light therapy at home, but you’ll want to talk with your holistic vet to be sure that it’s what you need and how to best use it.
Is Light Therapy Safe for My Dog?
More and more holistic practitioners and veterinarians swear by light therapy for dogs. It’s a pretty safe option and there are few side effects. If your dog has sensitivity to light or a seizure history, you may want to consider the benefits vs. the risks. Your vet can help you decide the best course of action, but generally speaking, light therapy is a fantastic option for holistic support.
Preparing Your Dog for Light Therapy
Before you give your dog a light therapy treatment (or your vet administers it), you’ll want to make sure the area is as clean and dry as it can be. Take any bandages off, and consider trimming the hair around the area being treated so it doesn’t get in the way. You probably want your dog to feel comfy since they must stay still while the light is being administered, so think about how you can calm them with soothing music or special comfort items. Some holistic practitioners even recommend calming supplements before treatment until they get used to it.
Whether you’re looking to heal a wound, reduce inflammation, or manage chronic pain, light therapy for dogs can be a game-changer. It offers a gentle and non-invasive way to help your dog manage pain and possibly expedite injury recovery. It’s science-backed and pharmaceutical-free and who knows? Your dog just may come to love spa sessions with you!
