Veterinary Cold Laser Therapy for Dogs
Also called low-level laser therapy or Class IV laser therapy, cold laser therapy uses focused light to increase blood circulation and stimulate cell regeneration.
Veterinarians often perform this drug-free, non-invasive treatment to manage inflammatory conditions in dogs. More recently, cold laser therapy has been used in combination with traditional medical treatments to treat soft tissue or tendon injuries and arthritis. It also encourages wounds to heal.
How does cold laser treatment help dogs?
The veterinary industry considers laser therapy for pets to be safe and effective. This treatment effectively treats injuries, conditions and diseases like tissue injuries (strains and sprains) and arthritis.
Veterinarians frequently incorporate it as a complement to other treatment options, enhancing the overall outcome for animal patients.
Cold laser therapy offers several benefits. It can:
- Enhance circulation
- Allow the muscles to relax
- Decrease nerve sensitivity
- Reduce pain and swelling
- Encourage the release of endorphins
- Speed the healing process
- Increase blood flow via vasodilation (which ultimately increases oxygen and speeds up healing)
Additionally, laser therapy does not produce any negative side effects and no sedation is needed. You also won't have to worry about your pet missing any fur, since cold laser therapy doesn't require the removal of fur for your vet to properly perform treatment.
What common conditions can cold laser therapy help treat?
Veterinary cold laser therapy can help treat many common conditions and symptoms, such as:
- Chronic arthritis
- Ligament and tendon injuries
- Traumatic injuries
- Surgical incisions
If you have a pet that's unable to undergo the traditional method of treatment, they may benefit from veterinary cold laser therapy. This may include cats and dogs in these circumstances:
- Dogs or cats with liver disease that renders them unable to take commonly used medications
- Cats that are only able to take specific pain management medications
- Exotic pets that may not be able to have medications administered normally
- Older pets that are unable to be medicated due to decreased organ function
Will my dog feel the laser while receiving treatment using veterinary cold lasers?
If the veterinarian is well-trained and experienced in administering laser therapy and performs the treatment correctly, your dog should not experience any pain.
Based on our experience, when the vet uses a handheld laser wand to move over injured tissue gently, it creates a pleasant sensation that most pets find soothing and relaxing.
Protective goggles are required for all veterinary staff and patients during a session. Laser beams directed at an eye can cause permanent damage to both human and canine retinas.
Will my dog need more than one session of cold laser therapy?
Over time, the effects of cold laser therapy are cumulative. For best results, treatments should be completed at the frequency recommended by your veterinarian.
How long does the typical veterinary cold laser therapy session last?
The length of sessions varies depending on the area being treated and how much energy is being delivered through the laser. A typical laser therapy session lasts between 5 and 20 minutes.
Before treatment, we will perform a complete physical exam, in addition to X-rays if required, to determine whether cold laser therapy is the right treatment option for your pet.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.