AcuLife for dogs, cats and horses: what owners need to know

AcuLife for dogs, cats and horses is LifeWave's drug-free phototherapy patch adapted for animals. It's chosen by owners of sporting and older pets to support their activity and recovery after exertion. It's a wellness product, so check with your vet before using it.

AcuLife works on the same principle as X39: a drug-free patch that responds to body heat and reflects light. The difference is how it's adapted for animals — the size, the way it's attached and the usage recommendations (LifeWave).

Who chooses AcuLife for their pets?

Most often, owners of animals that work hard or are getting older.

• Owners of sport horses and dogs — alongside training and competitions.
• Owners of older pets who want to support their activity.
• People who already use X39 themselves and want the same care for their animal.

Is AcuLife for dogs a good fit?

For dogs, AcuLife is chosen mainly during active training and in older age. The patch is an addition to basic care: the right amount of exercise, weight control and regular check-ups. For sporting dogs, it's important not to change anything before a competition — introduce anything new well in advance, during a normal training period, and watch how your pet responds.

Practical tips for older dogs are collected in “Senior dog care”, and on weight in “Excess weight in cats and dogs”.

Can you use AcuLife for cats?

Yes, the product is adapted for cats too. With cats it's important to be especially gentle: they dislike anything unfamiliar on their fur, so get them used to it gradually and watch how they react.

• Choose a calm moment when your cat is relaxed.
• Make sure your cat doesn't try to pull off or chew the patch.
• If your cat gets nervous, don't insist, and talk to a consultant.

How is AcuLife used for horses?

For horses, AcuLife is most often used alongside training and competitions. For large animals, several patches are sometimes used at once — the plan is chosen based on size.

For horses, it's worth reading the care and welfare guidelines from specialist organizations such as the British Horse Society. How to cool a horse down after a workout is covered in “Horse recovery after a workout”.

How to use the AcuLife patch?

The patch is attached to an area of skin with short hair or to a special holder. A consultant will choose a placement plan based on the animal's species and size.

• Check the skin under the patch.
• Make sure your animal doesn't chew the patch.
• Note how your pet's activity changes and share your observations with your vet.

What mistakes do owners make?

The most common one is expecting from a patch what only a vet or the right routine can provide.

• Using the patch instead of a vet visit when your pet is limping or not eating well.
• Attaching the patch to long fur without a suitable holder.
• Not checking the skin under the patch.
• Changing food, exercise and routine all at once — then it's hard to tell what made the difference.

Introduce changes one at a time and note how your pet feels: that makes it easier for you and your vet to see the full picture.

How can you tell your pet needs activity support?

Owners usually notice that their animal is more reluctant to get up, tires faster on walks or during training, or takes longer to rest after exertion. That's a reason to take your pet to the vet first, and only then think about extra tools. More on animals' sleep and rest in “Pet sleep”. For horses, a training and recovery log is useful: it helps both the trainer and the vet.

What else matters for your pet's activity?

Staying active in older age is above all about the right amount of exercise, weight, a comfortable place to sleep and regular check-ups. Veterinary associations recommend taking older dogs to the vet at least every six months (AAHA).

If you're choosing between products for yourself and your pet, take a look at “How to choose a LifeWave product” or message us — we'll help you sort it out.