Buyer Beware: The Risks of “Cheap” Light Therapy Devices in Veterinary Care
In today’s online marketplace, pet owners are increasingly exposed to inexpensive light therapy devices claiming to offer relief and healing for their animals. Many of these devices, found on sites like Amazon, present themselves as convenient, do-it-yourself solutions. THEIR MARKETING AND PRICE IS ATTRACTIVE TO MANY PET OWNERS. However, most fail to provide the basic technical details that are essential for a therapeutic effect: the wavelength of the light, the power output, the treatment time, and the proper dosing. Without these crucial details, using such a device is like rummaging through a medicine cabinet in the dark—hoping for relief without knowing if you’re taking a mild painkiller or a powerful narcotic.
Light therapy is medicine. It is a photoceutical—a precise, biologically active treatment that requires accurate dosing and delivery to achieve real therapeutic results. Some of these low-cost devices are nothing more than Christmas tree lights—flashy and comforting, but offering no real benefit beyond an aesthetic glow. While they may not cause direct harm, they can create a false sense of security that delays essential veterinary care and proper diagnosis.
The difference between a true therapeutic light device and a poor-quality imitation is substantial. True light therapy devices are designed to deliver specific wavelengths that reach target tissues with the appropriate energy density and duration to activate biological processes that support healing. In contrast, these generic devices often lack the power and proper delivery method to achieve any meaningful biological response.
This is where veterinarians play a crucial role. We must educate our clients that light therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution and that poor-quality devices can do more harm than good—simply by delaying proper treatment. As a solution, clinics can turn to MyRx MyPet Laser, a program designed specifically for pet owners who want the benefits of light therapy at home, but with the guidance of their veterinarian.
The MyRx MyPet Laser program features the MyPet 2.0 Super Pulsed Laser, a professional-grade device that brings the same evidence-based technology used in clinics to the pet owner’s home. This device is not just an LED—it is a high-powered super pulsed laser device that uses Super Pulsed Laser Therapy (SPLT), a patented technology that delivers extremely high peak power in ultra-short pulses of just 100 nanoseconds. This technology allows for deep tissue penetration and a robust biological response while keeping the average power low, avoiding thermal buildup that could otherwise damage tissues.
The safety of the MyPet 2.0 for home use comes directly from this super pulsed design. Because the laser pulses are so brief, they prevent sustained heating of the tissue, making the device safe for repeated treatments throughout the day. Unlike continuous-wave lasers, which can generate heat and risk tissue injury if not used properly, the super pulsed approach of the MyPet 2.0 ensures it remains both powerful and safe—an ideal combination for at-home use under the guidance of a veterinarian.
The MyPet 2.0 delivers a total power output of 320 mW and uses a multi-wavelength approach, combining 905 nm super pulsed laser, 875 nm infrared LED, and 640 nm red LED. This synergy of wavelengths allows for effective treatment across tissue depths, ensuring a comprehensive therapeutic effect. Treatments last approximately 10 minutes and can be safely performed several times a day, every day, to support recovery and healing. Many pet insurance carriers recognize the value of this therapy and may reimburse for these at-home treatments.
Beyond effectiveness, affordability and accessibility are important factors for many pet owners. Frequent clinic visits—sometimes three or four times a week—can be stressful for pets, especially those with anxiety or mobility issues. For owners, the burden of transportation, time away from work, and repeated costs can quickly become overwhelming. The MyRx MyPet Laser program addresses these challenges by bringing professional-grade therapy directly into the home, extending the veterinarian’s care while making treatment more practical for families. This not only improves compliance with treatment plans but also reduces stress for both pets and their owners.
It’s important to note that MyRx is brought to you by Multi Radiance, a trusted industry leader with more than 20 years of experience in light therapy and laser therapy technology. Backed by decades of clinical evidence and a commitment to safety and efficacy, veterinarians and pet owners can trust that the MyPet Super Pulsed Laser will provide real, reliable therapeutic results.
However, extending the care of the veterinary clinic into the home environment must be done with professional-grade equipment—not with unregulated, ineffective devices that fail to deliver real therapeutic effects. The MyPet Super Pulsed Laser ensures that treatments performed at home are consistent with the same high standards of care offered in the clinic, guided by the veterinarian, and supported by solid scientific evidence.
Light therapy, when applied correctly, is a powerful medical treatment that can complement veterinary care and accelerate healing. Let’s work together to protect our patients from ineffective devices and ensure they receive the safe, scientifically validated treatments they deserve—always under the watchful eye of a trusted veterinary professional.
Wizard of Paws offers home laser units for alternative or subsequent care outside of the clinic. This Multi Radiance Class I Laser allows owners to relieve pet pain and accelerate the healing process in the convenience of their own home. Acute or chronic conditions causing pain and discomfort to your pet, such as; otitis, osteoarthritis, degenerative diseases, hot spots, skin conditions, joint dysplasia, post-operative healing, and much more can be relieved by laser therapy.
