Transcranial photobiomodulation therapy with 808 nm and 1064 nm can affect different behavior parameters in dogs

To evaluate if transcranial photobiomodulation could improve behaviors in working dogs.

Thirty-six animals were selected and divided into a no-intervention group (CG, n = 12) and two photobiomodulation groups (TG808 and TG1064, n = 12 for each). The Canine Frustration Questionnaire (CFQ), Dog Impulsivity Assessment Scale (DIAS), Lincoln Canine Adaptability Resilience Scale (L-CARS), and Positive and Negative Activation Scale (PANAS) were the selected outcome measures. They were collected on days 0, 8, 15, 30, 60, and 90 after the initial treatment. At each evaluation time point, group improvements were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis H test, followed by Dunn's post-hoc test, and the effect size was determined. A significance level of p < 0.05 was set.

The animals in the sample had a mean age of 4.4 ± 2.0 years, with 24 males and 12 females. Three breeds were represented: Belgian Malinois Shepherd Dogs (n = 23), Dutch Shepherd Dog (n = 8), and German Shepherd Dogs (n = 5). Changes in the CFQ, L-CARS, and components were mainly driven by improvements in TG1064, with a large effect size. With the DIAS, changes were observed in TG808, with a large effect size. With the PANAS, changes were observed in both groups.

This study showed that the described photobiomodulation protocols can improve behaviors in dogs, as evaluated with these behavioral scales. They can have a variety of applications, from behavioral medicine for wellbeing, to the management of hospital or clinical visits.