Cold laser therapy is a drug-free way to help reduce inflammation and swelling, relieve pain, and speed healing for our dogs. Below, our Douglasville vets provide information about the benefits of cold laser therapy, and how it can be used for dogs.
What is cold laser therapy?
Cold laser therapy (also referred to as low-level laser therapy or Class IV laser therapy) uses focused light to increase blood circulation and stimulate the regeneration of cells, which speeds up healing.
What does cold laser therapy for dogs treat?
This non-invasive, drug-free therapy can be an effective way to treat a variety of painful inflammatory conditions for dogs. Often used as a complementary treatment alongside traditional medicine, cold laser therapy has been known to help with conditions such as:
- Arthritis
- Muscle strains
- Post-operative discomfort
- Skin disorders
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Orthopedic injuries
- Lick granulomas, hot spots
- Wounds and post-surgery sites
What are the benefits of cold laser therapy for dogs?
Does cold laser therapy actually help dogs feel better? Evidence suggests that these treatments can be very effective for pets. The veterinary industry has deemed pet laser therapy both safe and effective.
Some ways that cold therapy is believed to help improve dog health are:
- Enhance circulation
- Decrease nerve sensitivity
- Reduce pain and swelling
- Speed the healing process for wounds and bones
Laser therapy does not have any known negative side effects, can be used in conjunction with any medications your dog may be on, and no sedation is required. We also do not need to clip or shave the area being treated.
Are cold laser treatments painful for dogs?
Provided the veterinarian performing the treatment is well-trained and experienced in administering laser therapy and the treatment is performed correctly, there should be no pain involved for your dog.
In fact, when the vet waves a handheld laser wand back and forth over injured tissue, this seems to produce a pleasant sensation that most pets seem to find soothing or relaxing.
Can veterinary laser therapy be used instead of medications?
Veterinary cold laser therapy can be used as an alternative to medications in certain cases, but it ultimately depends on your pet's specific condition and the severity of the issue.
While cold laser therapy has shown promising results in managing pain, reducing inflammation, and promoting healing, it may not completely replace medications for more serious conditions or situations requiring immediate relief.
In many cases, veterinarians recommend cold laser therapy in conjunction with medications as a way to enhance the pet's overall treatment plan and minimize the need for high doses or prolonged use of drugs.
How often should my dog have cold laser therapy?
The effects of cold laser therapy are cumulative. For best results, treatments should be completed at the frequency recommended by your veterinarian.
Based on the injury or condition being treated, your vet may recommend sessions a few times a week, once a week, or once every couple of weeks. Often treatment begins with several times a week and gradually reduces in frequency.
How long does each cold laser treatment take?
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 full 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.