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The scientific study of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), commonly known as red light therapy, in veterinary medicine has grown significantly over the past two decades, with peer-reviewed research now published across leading journals including the American Journal of Veterinary Research, Veterinary World, and the Open Veterinary Journal.
The research that has followed has produced compelling evidence that targeted red and near-infrared light wavelengths stimulate cellular repair, reduce inflammation, and support tissue healing in dogs, without the side effects associated with long-term pharmaceutical use.
We believe that red light therapy works by activating the mitochondria in damaged cells, triggering increased ATP production, the energy cells need to repair themselves. The inflammation common to joint disease, paw damage, and soft tissue injury responds consistently to this stimulation across multiple controlled trials.
In the studies below, as well as in feedback from thousands of dog owners who have used red light therapy at home, there is consistent evidence of reduced pain, improved mobility, and faster healing. Click on the titles to read the studies.
Red Light Therapy Studies
A Randomized Double-Blinded Controlled Trial on the Effects of Photobiomodulation Therapy in Dogs with Osteoarthritis · American Journal of Veterinary Research, 2022 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35895799/
A Randomized Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial Investigating the Effects of Photobiomodulation Therapy on Canine Elbow Osteoarthritis · Canadian Veterinary Journal, 2018 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30197438/
Effects of Low-Level Laser Therapy on Impaired Mobility in Dogs with Naturally Occurring Osteoarthritis · Veterinary Medicine and Science, 2023 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10029903/
Retrospective Observational Study and Analysis of Two PBMT Protocols for Canine Degenerative Myelopathy · Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 2020 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32301669/
Assessment of Wound Area Reduction in Dogs with Photobiomodulation Therapy · Veterinary World, 2021 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34566346/
Post-Surgical Photobiomodulation Therapy Improves Outcomes Following Elective Gastropexy in Dogs · Lasers in Medical Science, 2024 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11310231/
Transcranial Photobiomodulation Therapy Improves Cognitive Test Scores in Dogs with Presumptive Canine Cognitive Dysfunction · Open Veterinary Journal, 2024 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38938435/
Review Articles
Red Light Therapy for Dogs: A Meta-Analysis of Current Evidence · Lumaflex, 2025 https://www.lumaflex.com/blogs/clinical-trials/red-light-therapy-dog
Red Light Therapy for Pet Health Conditions: A Meta-Analysis · Lumaflex, 2025 https://www.lumaflex.com/blogs/clinical-trials/veterinary-photobiomodulation
Review of Light Parameters and Photobiomodulation Efficacy: Dive into Complexity · Journal of Biomedical Optics, 2018 https://doi.org/10.1117/1.JBO.23.12.120901
Photobiomodulation Applications in Clinical Veterinary Surgery: Current Status and Future Perspectives · MDPI, 2026 https://www.mdpi.com/3042-7886/2/1/2
Paw & Skin Studies
Low-Level Laser Therapy: Case-Control Study in Dogs with Sterile Pyogranulomatous Pododermatitis · Veterinary World, 2016 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27651678/
An In Vitro Method to Test the Safety and Efficacy of Low-Level Laser Therapy in the Healing of a Canine Skin Model · BMC Veterinary Research, 2016 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4825076/
Critically Appraised Topic on Low-Level Laser Therapy in Dogs: An Advisable Treatment for Skin Diseases? · Veterinary Sciences, 2022 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9502196/
Safety & Commentary
Do Dogs Benefit From Red Light Therapy? Experts Have a Surprising Answer · Newsweek, 2026 https://www.newsweek.com/dogs-benefit-red-light-therapy-experts-surprising-answer-11365936
Red Light Therapy to Heal Animals: What The Science Says · RLT Home, 2024 https://redlighttherapyhome.com/blogs/news/animals
The studies listed above involve clinical-grade veterinary laser devices. PawsHalo devices use LED-based red light therapy at equivalent therapeutic wavelengths for at-home use. This page is for educational purposes only. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment of your dog's health conditions.