PEMF For Dogs: Discover How It Works and How To Use It

Hello and welcome to my article on how to use PEMF for dogs.

Did you know that, just like us, dogs can benefit from Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy?

In this article, I’ll break down how it works and how to use it, so your furry friend can start feeling better!

Dogs are everything to us, pet parents, and we’ll move mountains to keep our furry buddies happy and thriving. Trust me, I get it—I’ve shared my home with an energetic greyhound and now have a graceful black-and-white pointer keeping me on my toes!

If you are looking for ways to boost your dog’s health with PEMF, you are in luck. I’ll walk you through the top PEMF devices for dogs and share some easy-to-follow PEMF schedules for different health issues.

Whether your four-legged friend needs help with achy joints, faster healing, or needs to deal with separation anxiety, I’ve got the insider tips to keep that tail wagging strong.

🔬 PEMF for Dogs: The Simple Science

Let’s face it—when your dog’s limping after a rough day at the park or recovering from surgery, you’d do anything to help them feel better.

That’s where PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) therapy comes in. But how does it actually work? I’ll try to break it down and make it as simple as I can. Just bear with me!

🧬 Recharging Cells

Every cell in your dog’s body acts like a tiny battery. When they’re healthy, these batteries are fully charged, buzzing with energy to repair tissues, fight inflammation, and keep things running smoothly. But injuries, age, or stress can drain that charge, leaving cells sluggish.

As shown by a 2023 article published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, PEMF can help recharge these cells, restoring their natural ability to heal and regenerate.

The pulsed electromagnetic fields gently penetrate your dog’s tissues, creating a secondary electrical current inside the cells. This jump-starts their natural voltage, kind of like how a car battery gets a boost from jumper cables.

Think of PEMF as a spa day for your dog’s cells. It rejuvenates them, helping them repair tissue, fight inflammation, or keep your pup comfortable in their golden years.

🌿 Reducing Inflammation

Inflammation is like a wildfire in your dog’s body. A little is helpful (it’s part of the healing process), but too much causes pain and delays recovery. PEMF helps here, too.

A 2023 study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences has found that PEMF can reduce inflammation by helping regulate the body’s oxidative stress responses. The electromagnetic pulses calm overactive immune cells, reducing the flood of inflammatory chemicals.

🩸 Improving Blood Flow

Ever notice how a kinked garden hose can’t water plants properly? Injured tissues often have poor circulation, starving cells of oxygen and nutrients.

PEMF acts like a plumber for your dog’s bloodstream. A 2014 study published in The Prostate suggests that PEMF relaxes blood vessels and promotes capillary growth.

This helps fresh blood reach damaged areas. More oxygen allows cells to work better.

This is true for repairing a torn ligament or rebuilding cartilage in an arthritic hip.

What Dog Health Problems Can We Use PEMF for?

PEMF therapy is gaining traction as a safe, non-invasive way to support dogs dealing with various health challenges. Let’s explore how it helps in specific situations:

Older Dogs: Relief for Stiff, Painful Joints

If you’ve seen your senior dog struggle to rise after a nap or wince on stairs, you understand how tough arthritis and joint pain can be. One of the standout benefits of PEMF for older dogs is its ability to support cartilage health.

A 2023 study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences has shown that PEMF therapy can help activate chondrocytes, the cells that build new cartilage.

The electromagnetic fields can help cartilage cells make more cushioning material, supporting cartilage repair and potentially slowing down joint aging. This can lead to less bone-on-bone pain and more comfortable movement.

A client shared how their Golden Retriever, Max, went from avoiding walks to wagging his tail at the sight of his leash after just a few weeks of PEMF sessions.

Another client’s senior Labrador, struggling with arthritis, saw noticeable improvement after PEMF sessions. The therapy didn’t just mask the pain—it helped his joints “cool down” by improving blood flow and cellular repair.

Separation Anxiety

PEMF therapy is gaining attention as a drug-free way to ease separation anxiety in dogs.

A 2021 study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science tested PEMF on 40 dogs with moderate to severe anxiety. The dogs were split into two groups—one received active PEMF treatment, while the other got a placebo.

After six weeks of treatment, dogs in the PEMF group showed a clear reduction in anxiety-related behaviors like barking, pacing, and destruction. Many improved as early as the fourth week, with continued progress over time. The therapy was also well-tolerated, with no significant side effects.

These findings suggest that PEMF is a safe, effective option for managing separation anxiety in dogs. By reducing stress-related behaviors it can improve both the pet’s and the owner’s quality of life without the need for medication.

Recovery After Injuries or Surgeries

Dogs healing from injuries or surgeries often deal with slow recovery, pain, and risks like infection or scar tissue. PEMF therapy may boost blood flow and oxygen in tissues. This speeds up healing at the cellular level.

In a 1998 study on 12 adult female beagles with open wounds, those treated with PEMF showed faster epithelialization—the process where skin cells rebuild damaged tissue—compared to untreated dogs.

The study was published in the American Journal of Veterinary Research. By day 5, PEMF-treated wounds were already contracting (a sign of active healing), while untreated wounds were still lagging.

A 2018 study published in the Journal of Neurotrauma, and conducted on dogs recovering from spinal surgery, found that those treated with PEMF had less incision pain. They also showed better proprioceptive function, which is their ability to sense limb placement, compared to untreated dogs.

In a 2018 clinical trial, dogs with spinal cord injuries received PEMF therapy after surgery. The results showed lower injury biomarkers. They also had better recovery than those who did not receive the treatment.

PEMF for Dogs: Do’s and Don’ts – Infographic

The Bottom Line

Here is my mantra: Well-being and longevity are a marathon, not a sprint race.

PEMF therapy works best when it’s one piece of your dog’s wellness puzzle. 

For the best results, combine PEMF with your vet’s medications, keep your dog at a healthy weight, and adjust their exercise to what they can manage.

The effects are subtle but cumulative. For instance, while you might not see changes overnight, consistent sessions can lead to better mobility in dogs with chronic conditions.

It’s been a game-changer for many pet owners, helping their dogs move better, heal faster, and live happier lives. And honestly, isn’t that what we all want for our best friends?

PEMF for Dogs: Choosing the Right Device

When choosing a PEMF device for your dog, you can opt for one designed specifically for pets or a versatile option you can use too. Some PEMF pads fit perfectly in a dog bed or house, while larger mats can serve both you and your pup.

I’m leaving out wearables since, as you probably know, dogs aren’t great at keeping things on. But mats, pads, and even chair mats are all solid choices. So let’s explore them and find the best fit for you!

1. PEMF Pads

I genuinely believe that PEMF pads are the best option if you’re looking for a device specifically for your dog. They’re the perfect size to fit into your dog’s bed or house, which makes things much easier. With various sizes available, you can easily find the right fit, whether your pet is small or large.

If you think a pad is what you need, you are in luck! I just wrote a detailed review of the best PEMF mats for dogs, and I mean specifically for dogs. You can read it, but I’ll also show you the results right here:

2. PEMF Mats

PEMF mats are always a great choice for dogs because they offer benefits for both pets and their owners. Instead of buying a device just for your dog, you can invest in a high-quality mat that you can both use, making it a more versatile and cost-effective option in the long run.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. Unlike smaller PEMF pads, full-size mats won’t fit inside a dog bed or house, meaning your dog will have to lie on them in an open space. They’re also quite expensive and not very portable, so moving them around or traveling with them can be inconvenient.

3. PEMF Chair Mats

No, I’m not crazy. I know dogs don’t sit in chairs. I’m not suggesting your pet should use a chair mat while working at his desk!

But here’s the idea: chair mats can be removed from the chair and placed flat on the ground, functioning as a mat. They actually have an advantage: they’re smaller than traditional mats, so they might even fit into a large dog bed or house.

If used this way, both you and your dog can enjoy the benefits. However, they are still on the pricier side and not easy to carry around, though certainly cheaper and more portable than full-sized mats.

To dive deeper into PEMF chair mats, please check my guide to the 7 best PEMF chair mats! I’m sure you’ll find what’s best for you and your dog.

Here are my top 3 picks for PEMF chair mats for you and your best friend:

📅 Customized Weekly PEMF Plans for Your Dog’s Specific Needs

If there’s one thing dogs are great at, it’s following a strict daily routine. They have an impressive sense of time and always seem to know exactly when it’s time for a walk or dinner—almost like they’re reading the clock on the wall!

That’s why adding a PEMF routine to their day should be easy. Stick with it, and before long, even if you forget, your dog will remind you when it’s PEMF time!

IMPORTANT: All sessions are scheduled in the morning, as they are considered to be more effective. If you prefer another time of the day, no problem! But remember to just stick to it and do all your sessions at the same time of day.

PEMF Schedule for Older Dogs with Joint Pain or Arthritis

Day	Frequency	Intensity	Duration	Time of Day
Monday	15 Hz	200 µT / 2 G	30 min	Morning
Tuesday	18 Hz	200 µT / 2 G	20 min	Morning
Wednesday	15 Hz	200 µT / 2 G	30 min	Morning
Thursday	8 Hz	200 µT / 2 G	30 min	Morning
Friday	15 Hz	200 µT / 2 G	30 min	Morning
Saturday	18 Hz	200 µT / 2 G	20 min	Morning
Sunday	Rest Day	–	–	–

PEMF Schedule for Dogs with Separation Anxiety

Day	Frequency	Intensity	Duration	Time of Day
Monday	6 Hz	200 µT / 2 G	15 min	Morning
Tuesday	4 Hz	150 µT / 1.5 G	20 min	Morning
Wednesday	8 Hz	200 µT / 2 G	10 min	Morning
Thursday	5 Hz	100 µT / 1 G	25 min	Morning
Friday	7 Hz	200 µT / 2 G	15 min	Morning
Saturday	3 Hz	150 µT / 1.5 G	30 min	Morning
Sunday	—	—	—

PEMF Schedule for Dogs Recovering from Injury or Surgery

Day	Frequency	Intensity (μT/G)	Duration	Time of Day
Monday	5 Hz	20 μT / 0.2 G	15 min	Morning
Tuesday	10 Hz	30 μT / 0.3 G	20 min	Morning
Wednesday	15 Hz	40 μT / 0.4 G	25 min	Morning
Thursday	5 Hz	25 μT / 0.25 G	30 min	Morning
Friday	10 Hz	35 μT / 0.35 G	20 min	Morning
Saturday	15 Hz	45 μT / 0.45 G	15 min	Morning
Sunday	–	–	–