In short, we’ve reviewed many devices and the DogMed Laser is easily in the bottom half of devices. From device specs, to having a comb without usinging it to deliver more light, it leaves much to be desired.
Here’s our scoring for the DogMed Laser :
Device Specs - Grade: ?-D
a. Wavelengths: DogMed Laser has only red light. No IR which penetrates deeper to reach the target tissue.
b. Treating through fur: This is the craziest part of the device. It has a comb, but the light isn’t emitted from the tines. The comb doesn’t let more light into the target tissue. This is the main reason home units are not good enough. Clinical units (e.g. The Companion Laser) have enough power to reach the target (because they have so much power), but most home devices don’t have enough power, factoring in fur, and are best for superficial conditions.
c. Power density: The DogMed Laser https://dogmedlaser.com/pages/technologyDog uses 2-21.5mw laser diodes. This power is not in line with WALT guidelines for veterinary treatment.
Device Quality - Grade B...
a. The device looks very well made and at a glance should deliver what is promised.
b. One key design flaw is that the device comb actually creates a space between the device and the skin. This results in less light delivered to the target tissue.
Clinical Information - D...
a. The DogMed Laser has an engaging website, but it is filled with misleading information. Here are two examples:
They claim that the most efficient wavelength is 635nm. This is not true because red doesn’t penetrate deeply enough to reach the target tissue. Infrared is needed for this. Red is best for wound healing.
They claim that the mechanism of action is absorption by hemoglobin. That’s not the main mechanism as most scientists understand it and irradiating the blood is not studied much compared to irradiating the mitochondria and affecting the electron transport chain.
Beyond the device - F...
a. There is only generic information on how to treat different conditions. A clinician should establish the protocol after reviewing the patient’s records. Generic information leads to hit-or-miss results.
b. By far the main reason pets don’t heal is because pet owners are not compliant. The DogMed does not offer an app that reminds the pet owner to treat and also a connection to the clinic to ensure good outcomes. 70% of MedcoVet users engage with the app and track treatments, provide status updates to the clinic, send messages, etc. Without compliance and engagement, most devices are not used after the first few days.
Analysis:
The DogMed Laser device has a beautiful website, but the specs don’t match up to industry standards.
Key Device Differences Between the Luma and the DogMed Laser device:
1. Luma has an optical comb - This is so important that we patented our comb. About 80% of light (or more) is lost in the fur. The optical comb bypasses the fur to reach the skin and the target tissue. Usually, only large class IV devices can emit enough light to get through the fur and reach the target tissue.
2. DeviceSpecs-The DogMed Laser has only red light and much less power than is needed to heal inflammatory conditions. It probably works well for wounds but not OA-related conditions.
3. Scanning vs. stationary treatment- Per the WALT guidelines, scanning treatment is less efficient with light (meaning you need more light to achieve the same outcomes). Per the DogMed Laser videos, the device is moved around during treatment.
Beyond the device:
The first part of this document compares the MedcoVet Luma with another light healing device. But MedcoVet offers much more than a quality device. The price of the Luma includes:
1. An app to connect the pet owner to a clinician. This enables protocol changes between visits so the pet is getting the optimal dosage based on their progress. 70% of pet owners engage with the app to get connected to the clinic, leading to better outcomes.
2. MedcoVet support for any issues regarding the Luma. MedcoVet offers best in class support for all customer inquiries including billing, technical, and medical issues.
Here is a link to the DogMed Laser:
Here is a link to the device specs:
Specification Comparison:
MedcoVet is the bridge between
expensive, quality, in-clinic treatments (which don’t work because pet owners can’t come in), and
inexpensive devices on the internet (which either don’t meet veterinary guidelines or don’t have the medical support to achieve positive medical outcomes).