Light-based therapy is increasingly used to support dogs, cats and horses with discomfort, stiffness, inflammation and recovery after injury or surgery.
Two terms you will often see are laser therapy and LED light therapy. Both use specific wavelengths of red or near-infrared light, but they differ in how the light is delivered, how concentrated it is and how large an area can be treated at once.
So what is the difference, and when might one option be more practical than the other?
What is photobiomodulation?
Laser therapy and LED light therapy are both forms of photobiomodulation.
This means that specific wavelengths of light are applied to tissue. The light can be absorbed by cells and may influence cellular activity and energy production.
Depending on the device and application, light therapy is commonly used to support:
- Pain relief
- Joint and muscle comfort
- Mobility
- Circulation
- Recovery after exercise or injury
- Recovery after surgery
- Wound healing
Light therapy is non-invasive and does not rely on medication.
It is best viewed as a supportive therapy. Persistent pain, lameness, swelling or reduced mobility should always be properly assessed so that the underlying cause is understood.
What is veterinary laser therapy?
Veterinary laser therapy uses concentrated laser light at specific wavelengths.
Because the light is focused into a relatively small treatment area, laser devices are particularly useful when you want to target a specific joint, muscle, tendon or other area.
Different wavelengths penetrate tissue to different depths. Red light is generally used for more superficial tissue, while infrared wavelengths can reach deeper structures.
A handheld laser also gives the user flexibility: the same device can be moved between different treatment areas during separate sessions.
What is LED light therapy?
LED light therapy uses light-emitting diodes rather than laser diodes.
The light is generally less concentrated than a laser beam, but LED devices can cover a much larger surface at the same time.
This makes LED light therapy particularly practical for wearable pads and wraps that can stay positioned over a joint, the back or another treatment area during a session.
Red and near-infrared wavelengths are commonly combined so that both superficial and deeper tissues can be reached.
What is the main difference between laser and LED therapy?
The biggest practical difference is how the light is delivered.
Laser therapy is typically more concentrated and targeted. LED therapy generally spreads light over a broader area.
That means the choice often depends less on which technology is "better" and more on what you want to treat.
Laser therapy may be practical when:
- You want to target a specific area
- You need to move between several treatment locations
- Deeper tissue treatment is important
- You prefer a handheld device
LED light therapy may be practical when:
- You want to cover a larger area
- You repeatedly treat the same joint or body region
- You prefer a wearable or hands-free treatment
- Comfort during a longer session is important
Choosing the right treatment format
The size and location of the treatment area are often the easiest place to start.
For a small or clearly defined area, a handheld laser or compact LED pad may be convenient.
For a joint such as a knee, hock or elbow, a wrap-around LED device can make repeated treatment easier because it stays positioned around the joint.
For a larger area such as the back or hips, a wearable LED pad can provide broad coverage without having to manually move a handheld device over the entire area.
If several unrelated areas need treatment, a handheld laser can offer more flexibility.
Red light and near-infrared light
Not all light penetrates tissue to the same depth.
Red light, such as 650 or 660 nm, is commonly used for skin and more superficial tissue.
Near-infrared light, such as 808 or 850 nm, can penetrate further into muscles, tendons and joints.
Some laser devices also use additional infrared wavelengths to reach different tissue depths.
The exact wavelength combination is therefore one of the factors that determines how a device is intended to be used.
Can light therapy be used at home?
Some veterinary laser and LED devices are designed to be suitable for home use, while others are aimed more at professional users.
The important point is to follow the instructions for the specific device and to use it for an appropriate treatment area.
For an animal with a diagnosed condition, your veterinarian can help determine how light therapy fits alongside other treatment.
Important safety considerations
Light therapy is non-invasive, but that does not mean every device can be used in the same way.
Class 3B laser devices require specific eye protection. Never look directly into a laser beam and always follow the safety instructions supplied with the device.
Light therapy should not be applied over a known or suspected tumour. Extra precautions may also be required for pregnant animals or animals with implanted electronic devices.
If you are unsure whether light therapy is appropriate for your animal, consult your veterinarian before starting treatment.
Which Pet Pharma therapy device suits which type of use?
Pet Pharma offers both handheld laser therapy devices and wearable LED light therapy products.
For targeted handheld treatment, the Vet-Cure range provides veterinary laser therapy using red and infrared wavelengths. The Vet-Cure Max adds additional wavelengths and higher output for users looking for a more advanced laser device.
For LED light therapy, different formats are available depending on the treatment area:
- A compact LED pad for smaller areas
- A wrap-around pad for joints in dogs and horses
- A larger wearable pad for a dog's back, hips and shoulders
This makes it possible to choose the format according to the animal and the area you want to treat, rather than choosing on technology alone.
Laser or LED: which one should you choose?
A useful way to think about the choice is:
Laser therapy is usually more targeted. LED light therapy is usually better suited to broader or wearable coverage.
The most appropriate option depends on the treatment area, the animal and how you want to use the device.
For animals with ongoing pain, stiffness, lameness or a diagnosed medical condition, light therapy should be used as part of a broader care plan and not as a replacement for veterinary assessment.
Explore light therapy for pets
Compare Pet Pharma's laser and LED light therapy options for dogs, cats, horses and other animals.