Why Pets Gravitate Toward Wellness Tools? (And What That Might Mean)
Ana Martins, PhD
You know the moment.
You roll out your mat, settle in for a quiet wind down and within seconds your dog is suddenly there.
Cats do it too, appearing out of nowhere to sit exactly where you wanted to be, purring like they're in charge of the entire routine.
So what's going on? Are pets "sensing" something? Are they copying us? Are they just being cute companions?
First, the Simplest Explanation: Companionship
Pets are socially attuned. Many animals track our habits closely: where we sit, when we slow down and what seems to make us happy.
If a nightly habit reliably leads to a relaxed human (quieter voice, slower breathing, less movement), it can easily become a "green light" moment for a pet:
- This is a safe time
- This is a calm time
- This is a time when we're together
From that perspective, your dog choosing to lie beside you isn't necessarily about the device. It may be about you.
Pets Love Predictable Routines
Wellness tools often come with something pets adore: consistency.
A routine creates cues (sounds, setup patterns, lighting changes) and animals learn those cues fast. If your pet associates the start of your wind down routine with attention, closeness or the quiet comfort of being near you, they may start showing up early like they don't want to miss the opening scene.
Curiosity (and Comfort) is a Big Driver
Some wellness tools are simply interesting from an animal's perspective:
- New textures underfoot
- A warm surface
- A subtle vibration or sound
- A "designated spot" where humans sit still for once
Even if the tool itself isn't doing anything noticeable for them, the environment around it can feel comfortable and worth investigating.
What Wellness Tools Can Do for Pets
In veterinary medicine, PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic field) therapy is a modality that delivers low frequency electromagnetic pulses. It's used in veterinary settings with a range of potential biological effects and clinical applications. [1] [2]
Because changing electromagnetic fields can induce very small electrical currents in tissues, PEMF may influence cell signalling associated with changes in inflammatory signalling, microcirculation and tissue oxygenation, nitric oxide pathways, oxidative stress and mitochondrial activity. [1] [2] [4]
In dogs, studies have explored PEMF for osteoarthritis and mobility related discomfort, with studies reporting improvements in gait symmetry or pain related measures. [1] [3] [4]
In horses, PEMF is used in veterinary practice for potential behaviour and stress related benefits. [5]
Red light therapy is also used in dogs (you may also see it called "photobiomodulation"). In one high quality study, dogs with naturally occurring elbow arthritis that received red light therapy showed less limping and pain and needed fewer anti inflammatory pain medicines, compared with dogs that received no treatment. [6]
What Does BON CHARGE Say About All This?
PEMF and red light therapy are sometimes offered in veterinary clinics and they are typically provided only under the guidance of a qualified veterinarian. [1] [2]
BON CHARGE PEMF and red light devices are designed and tested for adult human use only, so we cannot provide guidance on using them with pets or speak to pet safety. For clarity, BON CHARGE products are intended for people aged 18 and over.
If your pet is dealing with pain or an ongoing condition, the next step is to speak with a qualified veterinarian about whether PEMF and or red light therapy may be appropriate.
So, Why Do Pets Insist?
When pets gravitate toward wellness tools, it can be tempting to think they are "self treating." But often, the simplest explanation is the sweetest one:
They've noticed that your wind down habits makes their favourite human calmer and more present, so they show up for the "together time".
BON CHARGE simplifies wellness. Companionship amplifies it.
BON CHARGE: This content is for general education and is not medical advice. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always follow product instructions and consult a qualified healthcare professional for guidance tailored to you. Individual results may vary.
References
- Šutalo, S., Klasen, L., Tichy, A. & Harms, O. Influence of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy on osteoarthritis in dogs. BMC Vet. Res. 21, 573 (2025).
- Gaynor, J. S., Hagberg, S. & Gurfein, B. Veterinary applications of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy. Res. Vet. Sci. 119, 1–8 (2018).
- Hyytäinen, H. K., Boström, A., Asplund, K. & Bergh, A. A systematic review of complementary and alternative veterinary medicine in sport and companion animals: electrotherapy. Animals 13, 64 (2023).
- Flatscher, T. et al. Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF): physiological response and its potential in trauma treatment. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 24, 11239 (2023).
- Hartzler, E. F. et al. Effects of a pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy blanket on salivary cortisol and behavior in horses. J. Equine Rehabil. 3, 100019 (2025).
- Looney, A. L., Huntingford, J. L., Blaeser, L. L. & Mann, S. A randomized blind placebo-controlled trial investigating the effects of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) on canine elbow osteoarthritis. Can. Vet. J. 59, 959–966 (2018).
