Animal care
Red light for horses, dogs and cats.
Veterinarians, equine therapists and animal rehab clinics use red and near infrared light as supportive care for sore muscles, stiff joints, recovery after surgery and skin. Here is how it is used and what the research says.
By animal
Where it is used.
Back, legs and recovery
Used by equine therapists on the back and hindquarters after work, on legs during tendon and ligament rehab, and as part of a recovery routine for performance horses.
Joints, rehab and skin
Common in canine rehab for senior dogs with arthritis or hip dysplasia, recovery after surgery including IVDD spine surgery, and skin problems like hot spots.
Older joints and comfort
Used for stiff joints in older cats, after surgery, and for skin and paw pad inflammation. Short sessions while the cat rests on a warm pad.
How it helps
Four areas vets focus on.
Pain relief and anti inflammation
Supportive care for chronic joint conditions such as arthritis, hip dysplasia and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD).
Injury and post surgical recovery
Used alongside rest and rehab after injuries and orthopedic or spinal surgery.
Wound and skin healing
Applied to hot spots, dermatitis and pododermatitis (inflamed paws), under veterinary care.
Muscle relaxation
Warm light on tight backs and hindquarters before or after work, training and exercise.
Millis DL, Bergh A. A systematic literature review of complementary and alternative veterinary medicine: laser therapy. Animals, 2023.
Using it safely
Calm, short, supervised.
Check with your vet first
Especially for a diagnosed condition, an open wound, after surgery, or for a pregnant animal.
Keep sessions short
Start with a few minutes and let the animal settle. Stay with them the whole time and stop if they seem uncomfortable.
Protect the eyes
Never shine the light into an animal's eyes, and keep it off any area your vet tells you to avoid.
For vet clinics and barns.
Talk to VIRED about using the full body mat and wand in your veterinary, equine or animal rehab practice.