Dog Med Laser: A Closer Look
Note:This article is part of our Red Light Round Up Series where we review and compare the top devices on the market.
Light therapy is making waves in pet care, offering non-invasive treatment for everything from arthritis to wounds. The Dog Med Laser is one option in this growing field, and today we’re taking a closer look at how it stacks up.

Device Specs: Red Light Only, Limited Penetration
The Dog Med Laser focuses solely on red light (635 nm), which is widely recognized for its ability to assist with surface-level conditions like minor wounds and skin issues. However, red light has its limits. For deeper tissues, such as muscles or joints, infrared (IR) light is often considered more effective because it penetrates further into the body. The Dog Med doesn’t include any infrared, which may be something to consider if you’re looking to treat deeper conditions like arthritis or intervertebral disks.
As for power, the Dog Med Laser operates with 2-21.5mW laser diodes. This is enough for superficial treatments, but it falls short of the power density recommended for deeper tissue therapy according to the WALT (World Association for Laser Therapy) guidelines. If you’re looking for faster, more intensive results, this lower power level may mean longer treatment times.
Comb: Functional or Flawed?
The Dog Med Laser has a comb, however, the light doesn’t come from the comb tines. It’s there to soothe your dog, not to help the light penetrate fur. For a laser device to work effectively, the light needs to reach the skin, ideally bypassing the fur and making direct contact with the skin. MedcoVet addresses this issue with an optical comb that actually delivers light through the prongs of the comb, past the fur to the skin. Dog Med’s comb is purely cosmetic. This design difference is crucial because fur blocks up to 80% of light.
For an example of how another company (i.e. MedcoVet) solves the “fur problem” with a comb, click here
Treatment Times: Efficiency Matters
Dog Med recommends scanning the device over the treatment area for about five minutes per spot. This is a common approach, but scanning treatment generally requires more light (and therefore more time) to achieve the same results as stationary treatment due to light delivery outside the target tissue.
Clinical Information: Accuracy and Depth
On the Dog Med website, the company highlights 635 nm red light as “the most efficient wavelength” for treatment. Red light does have a strong reputation for wound healing and skin conditions, but for deeper conditions like osteoarthritis (OA), other wavelengths like infrared can play a crucial role.
The website also mentions hemoglobin absorption as the primary mechanism for the laser’s effectiveness. While this is one aspect, much of the scientific community also focuses on how laser therapy stimulates mitochondria to enhance healing. Both approaches have merit, but depending on the condition you’re treating, these details may be something you want to explore further.
Beyond the Device: Support and Compliance
One challenge with any home treatment device is ensuring that it’s used consistently. Without regular use, the benefits of laser therapy may not be fully realized. The Dog Med Laser doesn’t come with an app or a system to track usage and connect with a clinician.
Staying engaged with the treatment plan is key to success, and having built-in tools to support compliance can make a big difference in the long run.
Conclusion: Deciding What’s Best for Your Pet
The Dog Med Laser has a clean, user-friendly design, and its red light therapy is well-suited for surface-level conditions like wounds or skin irritations. However, for pet owners dealing with more complex conditions like arthritis or muscle pain, the lack of infrared light and the lower power output might mean that this device falls short of expectations.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your pet’s specific needs. If you’re treating a condition that doesn’t require deep tissue penetration, the Dog Med Laser may help. But if you need a more powerful, all-in-one solution for both superficial and deeper issues, it’s worth considering other options that offer infrared capabilities and higher power density.
The choice is yours, but knowing these details will help you make the best decision for your pet’s health.