Red and Infrared Light Therapy for Horses and Pets

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as veterinary advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition in animals. Always consult with a licensed veterinarian or other qualified animal healthcare professional before starting any new treatment, diet, or therapy for your horse or pet.

How Red and Infrared Light Therapy Is Transforming Modern Veterinary Care

For those who share their lives with animals, from beloved family pets to elite equine athletes, seeing them in pain is a heart-wrenching experience. Traditional treatments for injuries, arthritis, and wounds can often be invasive, stressful, and require long, challenging recovery periods.

But what if there was a way to support the body’s own innate healing mechanisms, safely and effectively, from the comfort of home?

This is the promise of red and infrared light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation (PBM). Once a tool found mainly in human sports clinics and physiotherapy centres, this cutting-edge technology is now revolutionising veterinary care. By harnessing specific wavelengths of light, we can stimulate cellular repair, reduce inflammation, and manage pain without drugs or surgery.

This article explores the compelling science and practical benefits of red and infrared light therapy for both horses and smaller pets. We will delve into how it works at a cellular level, the conditions it can help treat, and what the latest research reveals about its remarkable efficacy.

The Science of Light: How Red & Infrared Light Therapy Works in Animal Bodies

At its core, light therapy is a simple yet profound process. It uses light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to deliver specific wavelengths of red (630-660nm) and near-infrared (810-850nm) light to the body’s tissues. Unlike ultraviolet light, these wavelengths are safe and therapeutic, penetrating the skin without generating heat that could cause damage.

The magic happens within the cell. When red and NIR light photons are absorbed by a mitochondrial component—the cell's powerhouse—it triggers a cascade of beneficial effects.

Boosted Cellular Energy: The primary effect is a significant increase in the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the fundamental fuel that powers all cellular activity.
Enhanced Blood Circulation: The therapy stimulates the release of nitric oxide, a vasodilator that improves blood flow and delivers more oxygen and nutrients to damaged tissues.
Reduced Oxidative Stress: By improving mitochondrial function, light therapy helps manage oxidative stress, a key contributor to inflammation and cellular ageing.

This cellular rejuvenation is the engine behind the therapy's wide-ranging benefits, from faster wound healing to reduced joint inflammation.

Healing Our Horses: Applications and Evidence in Equine Care

The equine world, where musculoskeletal injuries can end promising careers, has been a significant beneficiary of light therapy research. Its non-invasive nature is a major advantage for handling these large, often sensitive animals.

A 2023 study published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science investigated the effects of red and infrared light therapy on horses with tendon injuries. The researchers found that treated horses showed significantly improved fibre alignment and reduced lesion size compared with the control group, indicating superior tissue repair.

Key applications for equine light therapy include:

Musculoskeletal Injuries: Accelerating healing in tendons, ligaments, and muscles by reducing inflammation and promoting fibroblast activity (the cells that build connective tissue).
Osteoarthritis and Joint Pain: Penetrating deep into joint capsules to reduce inflammation and pain, increasing mobility and comfort.
Wound Healing: Stimulating the growth of new skin cells (epithelialisation) and capillaries (angiogenesis), leading to faster closure of open wounds and reduced risk of infection.
Back Pain and Soreness: Reaching deep spinal muscles to alleviate soreness and spasm, often resulting in a looser, suppler horse under saddle.
Post-Surgery Recovery: Managing pain and inflammation after surgical procedures, helping to get horses back on their feet more comfortably.

The portability of modern devices, often powered by batteries or power banks, allows for easy treatment in the stable or field, and Velcro straps make securing pads to difficult areas like hocks or shoulders simple and stress-free.

A Comforting Glow: Light Therapy for Dogs, Cats, and Small Animals

Our smaller companions suffer from many of the same age-related and injury-based conditions as horses. Light therapy offers a gentle, drug-free way to improve their quality of life, and most pets find the experience relaxing, especially when combined with their owner's calming presence.

A comprehensive review and meta-analysis published in BMC Veterinary Research in 2020 analysed multiple studies on PBM for canine osteoarthritis. The conclusion was that light therapy consistently produced significant improvements in pain scores, weight-bearing, and range of motion in arthritic dogs, highlighting its potential as a core management tool.

Common uses for light therapy in pets are:

Managing Osteoarthritis: Providing daily relief from chronic joint pain and stiffness, particularly in older dogs and cats.
Recovering from Soft-Tissue Injuries: Treating sprains, strains, and ligament tears (such as cranial cruciate ligament injuries) to shorten recovery time.
Dealing with Cuts and Abrasions: Accelerating the healing process for post-surgical incisions, hot spots, and other skin wounds.
Easing Muscle Soreness: Benefiting working dogs or active pets after strenuous exercise.
Treating Dermatological Conditions: Helping to reduce inflammation associated with infections and allergic reactions.

It is important to note that for furry friends, the light source should be placed directly in contact with the skin or the coat parted to allow the wavelengths to penetrate effectively without being scattered by the fur.

Choosing the Right Red and Infrared Light Device for Animal Wellness

Unlocking the full potential of red and infrared light therapy for your horse or pet starts with a device designed for safe and effective results.

Our premium panels use scientifically optimised red and near-infrared wavelengths to support healthy circulation, aid muscle recovery, and promote overall well-being.

This gentle, non-invasive approach can help ease stiffness, improve mobility, and enhance vitality—making it easier for your animal to stay active and comfortable.

All devices are AU/NZ safety certified, locally supplied, and designed for effortless daily use.

LIGHTFORCE EQUINE RED & NEAR INFRARED LED PAD LARGE

Harness the proven benefits of advanced light therapy with the LightForce Equine Pad Large—a powerful, non-invasive solution to support your horse’s health, recovery, and overall well-being.

Key Benefits:

Full-Body, Targeted Relief: Generously sized to treat large muscle groups and joints, perfect for addressing areas like the back, shoulders, and legs with ease.
High-Performance Light Therapy: Packed with clinically recognised wavelengths to deliver therapeutic energy deep into tissues for maximum effectiveness.
Dual-Wavelength Synergy: Combines Red Light for surface-level skin and tissue health with Near-Infrared Light for deep penetration into muscles, tendons, and joints—helping relieve pain at its source.
Accelerates Healing & Reduces Inflammation: Ideal for managing chronic conditions such as arthritis, navicular disease, laminitis, tendon injuries, and hoof abscesses, while promoting faster recovery from wounds and sore muscles.
Stress-Free & Comfortable: Non-invasive and gentle, horses typically relax during treatment, making it a low-stress option for both horse and handler.
Durable & Easy to Maintain: Built with high-quality materials for stable environments, ensuring long-lasting performance and simple cleaning.
Safe & Effective: Delivers therapeutic light without harmful UV rays or excessive heat—just pure, soothing energy for your horse’s health.

LIGHTFORCE EQUINE RED & NEAR INFRARED LED LEG WRAP

The LightForce Equine Leg Wrap delivers targeted light therapy to support your horse’s leg health and recovery, combining advanced technology with ease of use for exceptional results.

Key Benefits:

Focused Treatment for Critical Areas: Perfectly designed for legs, hocks, cannon bones, knees, and fetlock joints—ideal for smaller, hard-to-reach treatment zones.
High-Powered LED Technology: Equipped with 110 triple-chip LED diodes (110 Red at 660nm and 220 Near-Infrared at 850nm) for deep, effective penetration into muscles, tendons, and joints.
Wireless Convenience: Built-in rechargeable battery eliminates dangling wires, making treatment sessions simple and stress-free in any environment.
Accelerates Healing & Reduces Pain: Clinically recognised to help manage conditions like arthritis, navicular disease, laminitis, tendon injuries, wounds, and hoof abscesses while promoting faster tissue repair.
Non-Invasive & Comfortable: Gentle, soothing therapy that horses typically enjoy—no stress, no discomfort, just pure relief.
Durable & Easy to Use: Crafted for stable conditions with easy maintenance, ensuring long-lasting performance and reliability.
Safe & Effective: Provides therapeutic wavelengths without harmful UV rays or excess heat, delivering a powerful yet gentle experience.

LIGHTFORCE EQUINE SADDLE OR NECK PAD MEDIUM

The LightForce Equine Saddle or Neck Pad Medium delivers powerful, non-invasive light therapy to large treatment zones, ensuring your horse receives optimal care and comfort.

Key Benefits:

Versatile Full-Body Relief: Perfect for treating the neck, saddle area, back, quarters, belly, and girth—ideal for addressing multiple problem areas in one session.
Advanced Light Therapy Technology: Combines clinically recognised wavelengths to penetrate deep into muscles and joints, promoting healing and reducing pain.
Dual-Wavelength Synergy: Red Light (660nm) revitalises skin and surface tissues, while Near-Infrared (850nm) penetrates deeper for effective relief of muscle and joint discomfort.
Accelerates Recovery & Reduces Inflammation: Proven to help manage conditions such as arthritis, laminitis, navicular disease, tendon injuries, wounds, and hoof abscesses.
Stress-Free & Comfortable: Non-invasive and soothing, horses typically relax during treatment, making it a low-stress solution for both horse and handler.
Durable & Easy to Maintain: Built for stable environments with high-quality materials for long-lasting performance and simple cleaning.
Safe & Effective: Delivers therapeutic light without harmful UV rays or excess heat—just pure, gentle energy for your horse’s well-being.

LIGHTFORCE LED RED & INFRARED LIGHT THERAPY PET JACKET MEDIUM

Is your pet struggling with joint pain, mobility issues, or slow recovery from surgery? The Red Light Therapy Jacket offers a clinically proven, non-invasive, drug-free solution to support healing and overall well-being—tailored specifically for dogs, cats, and other cherished companions.

Key Benefits:

Holistic Health Support: Helps alleviate arthritis, hip dysplasia, inflammation, anxiety, and post-operative discomfort while promoting natural healing.
Advanced Light Therapy Technology: Strategically embedded LEDs emit Red (660nm) and Near-Infrared (850nm) wavelengths to stimulate cellular activity, boost circulation, and accelerate tissue repair.
Comfortable & Pet-Friendly Design: Crafted from soft, breathable materials for a gentle experience, with sweatproof film over LEDs for durability and easy cleaning.
Cordless Convenience: Built-in rechargeable battery ensures hassle-free, portable use—no dangling wires or power outlet limitations.
Easy Fit & Adjustability: Equipped with secure Velcro straps for effortless wearability and a snug, comfortable fit.
Available in 3 Sizes: Small, Medium, and Large—perfect for pets of all shapes and sizes.
Safe & Effective: No harmful UV rays or excess heat—just soothing, therapeutic light backed by science and tested on humans!

LIGHTFORCE LED RED & INFRARED LIGHT THERAPY 40 x 20 CM WIRELESS FLEXIBLE PAD

This advanced LightForce device combines high-powered LED technology with a fully flexible design, making it an essential addition to your wellness routine—all from the comfort of home.. It can be used on your furry friends too!

Key Benefits:

Comprehensive Wellness Support: Helps promote faster healing, pain relief, improved circulation, muscle recovery, immune support, anti-ageing benefits, and overall mood enhancement.
High-Powered LED Technology: Features 120 triple-chip LED diodes—120 Red at 660nm and 240 Near-Infrared at 850nm—delivering optimal therapeutic wavelengths for deep, effective penetration.
Flexible, Body-Hugging Design: The soft, bendable pad moulds comfortably to any area of the body—from scalp to feet—ensuring effective treatment of muscles, joints, and targeted pain points.
Wireless & Portable: Built-in rechargeable battery means no cables, no restrictions, and complete freedom to move. Ideal for use at home, in the clinic, or on the go.
Safe for Pets & Horses: Its portability and gentle, non-invasive light make it suitable for supporting recovery and comfort in animals, including dogs and horses.
Deep Relief Where You Need It: Helps relax muscles, reduce spasms, ease joint aches and stiffness from arthritis, and boost local blood circulation to accelerate healing. Unlike standard heat pads, near-infrared light works below the skin’s surface, targeting pain at its source.
Clinically Supported Results: Extensive medical research shows that red and near-infrared light therapy can significantly reduce pain, speed up recovery from injuries, and rejuvenate the skin.

Harnessing Light to Support Your Pets' Well-being

Red and near-infrared light therapy presents a compelling, science-backed approach to support your animal’s health and recovery. It’s far from a mythical “magic bullet,” but rather a sophisticated technology that works with your horse or pet’s natural biology.

From soothing sore muscles and joints to accelerating wound healing and reducing inflammation, to improving circulation and cellular repair, its benefits are both direct and systemic.

Ready to Transform Your Animal’s Wellness?

Explore our premium Red & Infrared Light Therapy range designed to support recovery, comfort, and performance—powerful outputs, proven wavelengths (660 nm & 850 nm), and simple, stable-side or at-home convenience.

We are proudly New Zealand-owned and operated, specialising in:

✔ Genuine, research-backed technology that promotes healing and reduces pain

✔ Honest, expert guidance on using light therapy for horses and pets

✔ The most effective devices to enhance care routines and help achieve lasting results

Experience the power of red and infrared light therapy to accelerate recovery, improve comfort, and enhance natural vitality in your animals.

Shop Our Range or Get in Touch, and take the first step towards healthier, happier horses and pets.