Red Light Therapy from Working Dog Magazine
Working dogs are the unsung heroes of our communities. Whether they’re guiding individuals with disabilities, searching for missing people, detecting contraband, or serving in military operations, these dogs give their all every single day. Their jobs demand incredible strength, stamina, and resilience, which inevitably take a toll on their bodies over time.
This innovative light-based treatment is changing the game when it comes to recovery and performance. Jackie Jolie’s company, EquiSol, is leading the way with innovative products designed to promote healing, reduce pain, and extend the careers of hardworking dogs through safe, science-backed technology.
The Demands on a Working Dog’s Body
Every jump, sprint, search, and tug wears on a working dog’s muscles, joints, and ligaments. They often face:
- Strains and sprains
- Joint inflammation and arthritis
- Soft tissue injuries
- Post-surgical recovery
- Chronic pain and fatigue
Without proactive care, these incredible dogs can suffer from lingering injuries that shorten their careers or impact their quality of life. Red light therapy for working dogs helps address these issues early, supporting faster healing and better long-term health.
How It Works
Also known as photobiomodulation (PBM), this therapy uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light (typically between 600 and 1000 nanometers) to penetrate the skin and stimulate the cells underneath. According to research published in the Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology (Hamblin, 2017), these wavelengths interact with mitochondria—the “powerhouses” of the cell—to boost ATP production, which fuels cellular repair and regeneration.
The result?
- Accelerated healing
- Reduced inflammation
- Pain relief
- Improved blood circulation
All of this happens without drugs, invasive procedures, or sedation.
Red light therapy enhances microcirculation, reduces oxidative stress, and increases collagen production—essential elements for recovery and maintaining healthy tissues (Laser Therapy, 2014).
Therapeutic Benefits for Working Dogs
Red and near-infrared light therapy provide direct benefits for working dogs in recovery and performance:
- Accelerated Injury Recovery
Red and infrared light penetrate deep into tissues, boosting oxygen and nutrient flow to injured areas (NIH, 2012). This means working dogs recover faster from sprains, strains, and surgical procedures, helping them return safely to service.
- Reduced Inflammation and Pain
Studies (Hamblin, 2017) show that red light therapy reduces inflammatory cytokines and promotes anti-inflammatory processes. This benefits dogs recovering from both acute injuries and chronic conditions like arthritis.
- Improved Performance and Endurance
A 2016 study in Photomedicine and Laser Surgery found that athletes using red light therapy experienced better muscle performance and less fatigue. Similarly, working dogs treated with red light therapy enjoy greater endurance and faster muscle recovery between demanding shifts.
- Stress Reduction and Relaxation
Red light therapy promotes endorphin release and overall relaxation (Barolet et al., 2016). This is especially valuable for service dogs and police K-9s working in high-pressure environments.
According to research from the Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology and the National Institutes of Health, photobiomodulation therapy improves mobility, reduces muscle stiffness, and supports full-body vitality—keeping working dogs strong, active, and ready for duty.
