Using laser therapy for dogs can be an effective, non-invasive treatment to help with a variety of conditions such as arthritis, wounds, inflammation, and post-surgery recovery. Here's a clear guide on how to safely and effectively use red laser therapy for dogs:
1. Designing a Treatment
1.1 Choose Parameters Carefully
Wavelength: Red (620–660 nm) for superficial issues; NIR (800–1,100 nm) for deeper tissues.
Dosage: Energy density of 2–10 J/cm² for wounds or arthritis; up to 3–10 J/cm² for deeper joint/muscle work.
Power: Class II–IV lasers or panels delivering 20–200 mW/cm²; higher power for deeper tissues, lower for surface.
Time per spot: Often 3–10 minutes, depending on power and treatment area
1.2 Frequency
Wounds/postop: Daily or every other day until healed (e.g., 5–13 days).
Arthritis: 1–2×/day for first week, then 3–4×/week for 4–6 weeks, tapering to maintenance (1–2×/week).
Spinal/TPLO: At induction, 6 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 8 weeks post-op (based on available studies)
Cognitive support: Class IM devices transcranially 3×/week first month; then 2×/week second month
1.3 Positioning & Technique
Expose site: Clear fur or part it to improve exposure—fur reflects light.
Distance/contact: Panels held 4–12 inches away; handhelds directly on skin or just above surface.
Overlap: Treat overlapping spots to cover full area, but do not double-dip in one session.
Comfort: Calm your dog with petting/treats; maintain relaxed posture.
Eye safety: Avoid shining in eyes; vet-grade protective goggles for Class III/IV lasers .
2. Safety & Risks
2.1 Generally Safe
Clinical and home settings report very minimal side effects if protocol followed:
No serious adverse events in clinical trials .
Gingivitis, wounds, arthritis—no notable complications when dosed correctly.
2.2 Overuse & Misuse
Possible swelling or skin irritation reported when protocols are exceeded .
Misdosing with Class IV lasers can cause edema or fur loss; professional training essential
2.3 Eye Damage
direct bright laser exposure may harm eyes; always avoid direct targeting and use protection as needed .
3. Equipment
3.1 Device Types
Class II–III handheld lasers – low power, suitable for paw or small-joint work.
Class IV therapeutic lasers – higher power, depth, but require certification/training.
LED panels/mats – safer for home use; broader coverage with less penetration.
3.2 Vet vs Home Use
Veterinary clinics use high-end lasers with customized software and dosing guidance .
Home systems (panels or handheld) should still meet wavelength and power specs and include a vetapproved protocol.
4. Conditions Treated & Treatment Goals
|
Condition |
Goals |
Evidence |
|
Osteoarthritis / joint pain |
Reduce pain, improve mobility, delay NSAID use |
Hip OA study (clinical trial) knee/hip arthritis anecdotal |
|
Surgical wounds / incisions |
Accelerate epithelialization, minimize inflammation |
Beagle & incision studies |
|
TPLO, hemilaminectomy |
Decrease pain, improve gait |
Early promising but nonsignificant for TPLO; hemilaminectomy improved recovery |
|
DDC / cognitive support |
Improve cognitive function |
Case series showed ~43 % improvement in 60 days |
|
Oral/gingival health |
Reduce gingivitis, speed healing |
Police dog gingivitis study; oral pain control |
5. Best Practice Protocol (Sample Template)
Hypothetical case: 7yearold Labrador with hip arthritis and a fresh surgical wound.
|
Day |
Condition |
Wavelength |
Dosage |
Time |
Notes |
|
1–7 |
Wound |
635 nm red; optionally 808 nm NIR |
5 J/cm² |
5 min per area; every other day |
Accelerate closure & epithelialization |
|
1–14 |
Hip arthritis |
810 nm NIR |
5–8 J/cm² |
8 min per hip joint; 1×/day |
Improve mobility, reduce pain |
|
15-30 |
Joint maintenance |
810 nm |
5 J/cm² |
3–4×/week |
Support joint health after initial improvement |
|
1–60 |
Cognitive (optional) |
850 nm Class IM |
per device spec |
3×/week month 1 → 2×/week month 2 |
Monitor behavior & alertness |
Safety and tracking
Use eye protection for both dog and handler.
Keep records of session date/time, dose, and response (sleep, appetite, play).
Adjust if redness or swelling: reduce dosage or frequency
6. Monitoring & Evaluation
✅ Track Objective Markers
Arthritis: range of motion (goniometer), thigh circumference, gait analysis (video), CBPI/COI scores Wound healing: measure wound area, observe epithelial closure, redness or discharge.
Behavior: tracking walking endurance, playfulness, and appetite.
Veterinarian Checkpoints
Short-term (2–4 weeks): Assess pain and function.
Long-term (8–12 weeks): Decide on continuing, boosting, or tapering.
Lab tests: Especially post-surgery (CRP, WBC counts) to rule out inflammatory spikes.
7. When to Avoid or Use Caution
Cancer or tumors: Light therapy may accelerate growth—consult oncology vet.
Epilepsy: Limited data; use cautiously with seizure disorders.
Pregnancy: No clear data; avoid unless veterinarian advises.
Photosensitive medications: Chemotherapy-like meds or supplements may cause leaks under light therapy.
8. Combining with Other Treatments
PBMT can complement:
NSAIDs: May reduce need for or dosage of pain meds.
Supplements: e.g., glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3s—for synergy in joint support.
Physical therapy: Massage, hydrotherapy, stretching combined with light speeds recovery.
Nutrition: Feeding antioxidant-rich diets for joint & healing support.
9. Real-World Use & Community Feedback
“My 12-yr-old silky terrier… he seems much happier during his walks :)”
Many vet techs report mobility improvements for arthritic and postsurgical patients .
These practical perspectives—while anecdotal—support clinical literature findings.
10. Summary & Key Takeaways
Mechanism: PBMT works on mitochondrial, metabolic, inflammatory, and analgesic pathways.
Evidence: Strong trials in hip OA; positive wound healing and dental studies; suggestive benefits in spinal and cognitive domains.
Safe when dosed: Light is only harmful if misused (overpower or over time, or aimed at eyes).
Effective Protocols：
Wounds/Surgery: daily sessions, 5–10 min, 5–13 days
Arthritis: daily sessions initially, then taper
Cognitive: transcranial over 60 days
Gums: after dental cleaning, reduces gingivitis
Professional oversight: Always coordinate with your veterinarian—especially for device selection, dosing, and eye protection.
Home use: LED panels can be effective, but proper training and record-keeping are essential.
Experience safe, evidence-based care with ZJKC’s phototherapy solutions. Built for durability and precision, these devices enhance treatment reliability. Click to explore now for your pet.
11. Final Thoughts
Red light therapy is a scientifically validated, noninvasive modality that addresses pain, inflammation, healing, and cognition in dogs. When used correctly, it’s safe and often effective—but outcomes depend on proper wavelength, dose, timing, and practitioner skill. I encourage you to discuss this with your veterinarian and possibly involve a certified veterinary rehabilitation therapist.
If you'd like, I can help tailor a customized protocol based on your dog's age, condition, and available device—or assist in building a printable dosing log. Just let me know!
References:
Dewey CW, Rishniw M, Brunke MW, Gerardi J, Sakovitch K. Transcranial photobiomodulation therapy improves cognitive test scores in dogs with presumptive canine cognitive dysfunction: A case series of five dogs. Open Vet J. 2024 May;14(5):1167-1171. doi: 10.5455/OVJ.2024.v14.i5.11. Epub 2024 May 31. PMID: 38938435; PMCID: PMC11199766.
Alves JC, Santos A, Jorge P, Carreira LM. A randomized double-blinded controlled trial on the effects of photobiomodulation therapy in dogs with osteoarthritis. Am J Vet Res. 2022 Jun 28;83(8):ajvr.22.03.0036. doi: 10.2460/ajvr.22.03.0036. PMID: 35895799.
Lopez A, Brundage C. Wound Photobiomodulation Treatment Outcomes in Animal Models. J Vet Med. 2019 Jul 28;2019:6320515. doi: 10.1155/2019/6320515. PMID: 31467931; PMCID: PMC6699315.
