The Red Light Revolution: How Pet Parents Are Using Skincare Tech to Help Their Furry Friends Live Longer

In a world where pet owners are increasingly treating their furry companions like full-fledged family members—taking them on luxury vacations and even spending tens of thousands on cloning services—it’s hardly surprising that the latest trend involves sharing high-end skincare treatments with four-legged friends. The newest phenomenon catching attention is the use of red-light therapy, a treatment that has gained popularity among skincare enthusiasts, being repurposed to potentially improve pets’ health and longevity. This trend gained significant momentum after Paris Hilton reportedly credited red-light therapy with helping her dog live beyond 20 years—a remarkable lifespan that has many pet owners intrigued and willing to try anything to keep their beloved companions around longer.

The technology in question—LED masks and panels that emit red light—typically sells for anywhere between $300 and $700. Originally designed to stimulate collagen production, reduce inflammation, and enhance skin quality in humans, these devices are now being shared with dogs by devoted owners. Victoria Underwood from Oxford, England, began using her $469 CurrentBody red light mask on her nine-year-old cocker spaniel Bentley after learning about Hilton’s claims. Though she acknowledges that some might find the practice “disgusting,” she justifies it by pointing out that she already shares her bed with six dogs, so “their bacteria is already getting on my face.” Underwood maintains that her dogs willingly participate in the 10-minute treatments and even notes significant improvements in one of her rescue toy poodles that arrived with irritated, itchy skin. After regular treatments, she observed notable improvement in the dog’s skin condition and reduced itching.

The phenomenon isn’t limited to treating skin conditions. Some pet owners report improved mobility in older dogs suffering from arthritis. On online forums, owners share anecdotes of positive changes in their pets’ movement patterns after regular exposure to red-light therapy. For Cora Lakey in Southern California, what started as a somewhat satirical experiment with her two-year-old cavapoo, Dolly, has evolved into a regular routine as her small dog actively seeks out the comfort of the LED mask, seemingly enjoying the experience. These personal testimonials, while not scientific evidence, suggest that some pets may be experiencing real benefits from the treatment—or at the very least, finding the warm light soothing.

The science behind this trend isn’t entirely unfounded. Dr. Stevie Aitken, a travel emergency veterinarian, confirms that red-light therapy does have “significant positive attributes to overall health and longevity.” The process, technically called photobiomodulation or low-level laser therapy, works by decreasing inflammation, reducing pain, improving healing rates, and increasing blood flow—benefits that apply to both humans and animals. In fact, many veterinary facilities already utilize this therapy for postoperative pain management, treating osteoarthritis, and addressing chronic inflammation in pets. However, Dr. Aitken points out an important distinction: the consumer-grade LED devices designed for human skincare typically deliver less intensity than medical-grade devices used in veterinary settings, making them potentially less effective but also more accessible to the average pet owner than the high-end equipment celebrities might use.

While the underlying concept has merit, experts caution against simply repurposing human skincare tools for pets without proper consideration. Dr. Lindsey Wendt, an integrative veterinarian and founder of Crystal Lotus Veterinary Care, warns about potential risks: “The wavelengths, intensity and treatment protocols aren’t standardized for canine tissue depth or conditions.” She expresses particular concern about exposing dogs’ eyes to light intensities they aren’t naturally equipped to handle. Instead of sharing human devices, Dr. Wendt recommends that interested pet owners purchase consumer-grade red light panels specifically designed with appropriate wavelengths for canines—630 to 850 nanometers—and sufficient power output to actually deliver therapeutic benefits. This more targeted approach addresses the physiological differences between humans and dogs while still providing the potential benefits of red-light therapy.

Despite the appeal of technological solutions like red-light therapy, veterinary experts emphasize that extending a pet’s lifespan still primarily depends on fundamental care practices. Dr. Wendt stresses that while red-light therapy might improve quality of life, the foundations of pet longevity remain unchanged: “Feed them real food, keep them moving, manage their pain appropriately, and align with an integrative veterinarian or care team that can provide a precision medicine approach to their healthcare.” In this context, treatments like red-light therapy should be viewed as potential supplements to—not substitutes for—proper nutrition, regular exercise, weight management, and consistent veterinary care. As pet owners continue seeking new ways to enhance their companions’ lives and extend their time together, the best approach appears to be one that combines innovative treatments with proven care fundamentals, all while consulting veterinary professionals about what’s truly beneficial for each individual animal.