In clinical studies, dogs treated with red and near-infrared light therapy had less pain than dogs that received a fake treatment. These results weren't based on owners guessing. Veterinarians used proven pain scoring systems to measure real improvements.

For your dog, that could mean climbing the stairs without stopping. Jumping back on the couch. Running to greet you at the door again.

Pain doesn't just make dogs uncomfortable.

It slowly takes away the things they love most.

The longer pain is left untreated, the more it can affect your dog's movement, strength, and quality of life. Helping them sooner gives them the best chance to stay active, comfortable, and enjoy more good days by your side.

What the research found

• Significantly lower pain scores than placebo-treated dogs
  
• Improved comfort during daily activities
  
• Better veterinary pain assessment scores
  
• Benefits observed without relying solely on owner perception

Clinical studies consistently found that dogs receiving photobiomodulation (red and near-infrared light therapy) showed significant improvements in mobility, movement, and overall physical function.

In a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of dogs with hip osteoarthritis, researchers reported significant improvements in mobility, gait quality, lameness, joint function, and quality of life compared with placebo. Improvements were measurable after 2 weeks of treatment and remained evident 90 days after the treatment period ended.

In another published study using wearable activity trackers, the average dog's daily movement increased from 1,109 steps/day to 8,416 steps/day after six weeks of treatment—a 7.6-fold increase in daily activity. Researchers also observed significant improvements in overall mobility and found that 50% of dogs were able to reduce their systemic pain medication during the study under veterinary supervision.

Research Highlights

✓ Significant improvement in mobility scores

✓ Significant improvement in gait quality

✓ Significant reduction in lameness

✓ Daily activity increased from 1,109 → 8,416 steps/day

✓ Improvements observed within 2 weeks

✓ Benefits maintained for up to 90 days

Several clinical studies have found that photobiomodulation (red light therapy) can improve mobility and reduce pain in dogs with osteoarthritis. As symptoms improved, some dogs required less pain medication to maintain their comfort.

In a published clinical study of dogs with naturally occurring osteoarthritis, 50% of dogs were able to reduce their systemic pain medication during the six-week treatment period under veterinary supervision.

In a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial of dogs with elbow osteoarthritis, researchers also found that dogs receiving photobiomodulation had a significantly lower need for NSAID medication compared with placebo-treated dogs while maintaining improved comfort and function.

These findings suggest that, when used as part of a veterinary treatment plan, red light therapy may help reduce reliance on long-term pain medication for some dogs.

Research Highlights

✓ 50% of dogs reduced their systemic pain medication during treatment*

✓ Significantly lower NSAID requirements compared with placebo in a randomized controlled trial

✓ Reduced medication use occurred alongside improvements in mobility and pain scores

✓ 82% of dogs receiving red light therapy were able to reduce their NSAID dose by at least 50%, compared with 0% in the placebo group

*Medication adjustments were made by the treating veterinarian and may not be appropriate for every dog.

Clinical studies have found that photobiomodulation (red and near-infrared light therapy) significantly improves joint function and movement in dogs with osteoarthritis.

In a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial, dogs treated with photobiomodulation showed significant improvements in joint function, lameness, and hip range of motion compared with placebo. Improvements were measurable after 2 weeks of treatment and remained evident for up to 90 days after the treatment period.

A separate randomized, placebo-controlled study of dogs with elbow osteoarthritis also found significant improvements in joint function and clinical outcomes. Dogs receiving photobiomodulation required less NSAID medication while maintaining improved limb function compared with the placebo group.

Research Highlights

✓ Significant improvement in joint function

✓ Significant improvement in hip range of motion

✓ Significant reduction in lameness

✓ Improvements detected within 2 weeks

✓ Benefits maintained for up to 90 days after treatment

✓ Improved function while requiring less NSAID medication than placebo

Photobiomodulation has been studied across a wide range of veterinary conditions—not just osteoarthritis.

Published research supports its use as an adjunctive therapy for musculoskeletal disease, wound healing, postoperative recovery, pain management, and selected dermatological conditions.

Research-Supported Applications

✓ Osteoarthritis & Joint Pain – Improves pain, mobility, gait, joint function, and quality of life in dogs with osteoarthritis.

✓ Wound Healing – Randomized controlled trials found significantly faster wound closure and greater wound area reduction in dogs receiving photobiomodulation compared with standard care alone.

✓ Post-Surgical Recovery – Used following orthopedic and soft-tissue surgery to support healing, reduce postoperative inflammation, and improve functional recovery.

✓ Skin Conditions – Clinical evidence supports its use as an adjunct treatment for deep pyoderma, interdigital pyoderma, chronic wounds, and some other dermatological conditions.

✓ Pain & Inflammation – Studies report reductions in pain and inflammatory responses across multiple orthopedic and surgical applications.

✓ Non-Invasive & Drug-Free – No anesthesia, injections, or recovery time required. Reported adverse effects are uncommon when appropriate treatment parameters are used.

✓ Can Also Be Used by Humans – The same wavelengths (typically 660 nm and 850 nm) have been extensively studied in human medicine for musculoskeletal pain, tissue healing, and selected skin conditions, although products may differ in their regulatory approval and intended use.