STORY AT-A-GLANCE
- Photobiomodulation therapy uses light to boost healing at the cellular level, offering a safe, drug-free way to ease your pet’s pain and speed up recovery naturally
- This gentle treatment reduces inflammation, increases circulation, and supports tissue repair, helping pets recover from surgery or injuries and manage arthritis and other painful or chronic conditions
- Most pets tolerate sessions well, which are quick, painless, and relaxing — often lasting just five to 15 minutes with no recovery time needed afterward
- Light therapy is especially helpful for pets who cannot take medications, and works well alongside acupuncture, chiropractic care, supplements, and physical therapy exercises
- Safe when properly administered by trained professionals, photobiomodulation has minimal side effects and can be tailored to your pet’s unique health needs and recovery goals
When your pet is hurting, whether from surgery, injury, arthritis, or illness, you want to do everything possible to help them feel better. What if there was a gentle, drug-free treatment that could ease their pain, speed up healing, and improve their quality of life without harsh side effects?
That is exactly what photobiomodulation therapy offers. Also known as low-level laser therapy or red light therapy, this non-invasive treatment is becoming more common in veterinary clinics, and for good reason. It gives your pet’s body the extra support it needs to recover, naturally.
What Is Photobiomodulation Therapy?
Photobiomodulation might sound like a mouthful, but the idea behind it is simple. This therapy uses special light wavelengths, usually red or near-infrared, to gently stimulate your pet’s cells and help them heal.
You can think of it like giving your pet’s cells a boost of energy. When the light enters the body, it reaches the mitochondria (the tiny power plants inside each cell). The light helps these powerhouses make more energy, which cells can then use to repair damage, reduce inflammation, and ease pain.1,2 And the best part? It is completely painless and drug-free.
How Does It Actually Work?
During a photobiomodulation session, a veterinarian or trained technician uses a special cold laser or LED light device to target specific areas of your pet’s body. This could be a sore joint, a healing wound, a surgical incision, or an area of moist dermatitis (also known as a “hot spot”).
The light penetrates the skin and travels into the tissue beneath. Once it reaches the affected cells, the light helps kickstart natural processes like:
- Increasing blood flow, which brings more oxygen and nutrients to the area.
- Producing more cellular energy, known as adenosine triphosphate (ATP), to power healing.
- Reducing inflammation, which causes pain and can slow healing.
- Activating immune responses to fight infection and clean up damaged tissue.
- Speeding up tissue repair, especially in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and skin.
Essentially, photobiomodulation helps the body heal itself faster and more efficiently.3,4
Conditions That Can Benefit from Light Therapy
Photobiomodulation has a wide range of uses for both dogs and cats. While every pet is different, here are some of the most common conditions that respond well to light therapy:5,6,7
- Arthritis and joint pain — Older pets, especially large-breed dogs, often suffer from arthritis. Their joints get stiff and swollen, making it painful to walk or climb stairs. Photobiomodulation helps by reducing inflammation in the joints, easing discomfort, and helping them move more freely. In some cases, it can even reduce your pet’s need for pain medications.8
- Post-surgery recovery — After surgery, your pet’s body works hard to heal. Photobiomodulation speeds up the process by boosting tissue repair, reducing pain, and minimizing scarring. Many veterinarians now include this therapy as part of routine post-operative care.9
- Wounds and injuries — If your pet has a cut, scrape, or wound that is not healing well, light therapy can help. It increases circulation in the area and supports cell regeneration, helping the wound close faster and with less risk of infection.
- Chronic pain and inflammation — Pets with ongoing pain from conditions like hip dysplasia, spinal issues, or old injuries often benefit from regular photobiomodulation. It is a drug-free way to manage pain and can be part of a long-term treatment plan, especially for pets that cannot tolerate certain medications.
- Skin problems — Skin issues like lick granulomas, infections, or slow-healing sores can also respond well. The therapy reduces inflammation, kills bacteria, and promotes tissue repair, making it easier for the skin to heal.
- Neurological conditions — In some cases, light therapy may support brain function and nerve regeneration. Dogs with cognitive decline or certain neurological issues might show improvement over time with consistent sessions.
Why Choose a Gentle, Drug-Free Approach?
Modern medicine offers many tools to help pets heal, including medications and surgeries. But these treatments often come with side effects, stress, or risks — especially in older pets or those with other health problems. Photobiomodulation stands out because it is:10
- Noninvasive — There are no cuts, no stitches, and no anesthesia required.
- Pain-free — Most pets actually enjoy the gentle warmth.
- Safe and natural — It supports the body’s own healing without introducing chemicals.
- Versatile — Works well alongside other treatments like acupuncture, chiropractic care, supplements, or rehab therapy.
And for pets who cannot take certain drugs or who are sensitive to side effects, this can be a lifesaver.
What Happens During a Session?
Photobiomodulation therapy is usually performed at your veterinarian’s office. Here is what you can expect:11
- Comfortable setting — Your pet will either lie down or sit calmly while the veterinarian or technician applies the light device to the treatment area. You can stay with your pet, and both of you may be asked to wear protective goggles to shield your eyes from the light.
- Quick and relaxing sessions — They typically last five to 15 minutes, depending on your pet’s condition. The treatment does not hurt — many pets seem to enjoy it and may even fall asleep during the session.
- No downtime — Your pet can go right back to their normal routine afterward. There is no recovery time, unlike surgery or certain medications that cause grogginess.
The number of sessions depends on your pet’s health issue. Acute problems (like a recent injury or surgical recovery) may only need a few sessions. Chronic conditions (like arthritis or old injuries) might require regular ongoing sessions weekly or bi-weekly.
Your veterinarian will create a custom treatment plan after evaluating your pet’s condition and response to the first few sessions. Some clinics offer therapy packages to make the sessions more affordable, especially for long-term care.12
Is It Safe for All Pets?
For most dogs and cats, photobiomodulation is very safe. It is painless, does not require sedation, and has almost no side effects when used correctly. However, there are a few important safety notes:13
- Cancer — Because the therapy can stimulate cell growth, it should not be used on pets with known or suspected cancerous tumors.
- Eye protection — Lasers can damage the retina if shined directly into the eye or if reflected off of shiny surfaces and into the eye, so everyone, including your pet, should wear goggles during treatment. Your veterinarian may also opt to cover your pet’s eyes with a towel to protect them.
- Proper training — Only trained professionals should perform the therapy to avoid using the wrong dosage or technique.
Always make sure your veterinarian has experience with photobiomodulation and uses certified equipment.
How to Get Started
If you are interested in trying photobiomodulation for your pet, talk to your veterinarian. They will assess your pet’s health and help you decide if it is the right option. Ask questions like:
- Is my pet a good candidate for light therapy?
- How many sessions would be recommended?
- What kind of device will be used?
- Are there any package options for multiple treatments?
- Will this be combined with other therapies?
Working with a knowledgeable veterinarian ensures your pet gets the safest and most effective care.
Combining Light Therapy with Other Treatments
One of the great things about photobiomodulation is that it works well alongside other therapies, including:
- Acupuncture
- Chiropractic adjustments
- Nutritional supplements
- Pain medications (when needed)
- Physical rehabilitation and exercises
This whole-body approach helps treat not just the symptoms, but the underlying cause of your pet’s discomfort.14
Healing Does Not Have To Be Difficult
Watching your pet struggle with pain or recover slowly from an injury is heartbreaking. But with the help of gentle, science-backed therapies like photobiomodulation, you can support your pet’s body in a way that feels natural and kind.
Instead of relying only on drugs or invasive procedures, this therapy offers a safer, softer way to heal — and gives your pet the chance to feel better, move better, and live better.
So if your furry friend is hurting, consider asking your veterinarian about this remarkable light therapy. It might just be the extra help your pet needs to bounce back and shine.
