Cold laser therapy can often be used as a supplemental treatment to repair tissues and relieve pain for your dog. In this post, our San Gabriel vets explain the basics of cold laser treatment to help determine if it is right for your dog.
What is cold laser therapy for dogs?
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.
Inflammatory conditions can be treated with this therapy that does not involve any invasive procedures or medication. In more recent times, it has been used in conjunction with conventional medical treatments to treat injuries to tendon or soft tissue as well as arthritis. It also has the ability to speed up the healing process of wounds.
Does cold laser therapy work on dogs?
Yes. The veterinary industry has deemed pet laser therapy safe and effective. It can effectively be used to treat diseases, injuries and conditions such as tissue injuries (including strains and sprains) and arthritis.
We often use it to supplement other treatment options to give our pet patients an improved outcome.
As for benefits, laser therapy can:
- Enhance circulation
- Decrease nerve sensitivity
- Reduce pain and swelling
- Speed the healing process
In addition, laser therapy does not have any unfavorable side effects, nor is sedation required prior to treatment. In addition, it is not necessary for us to trim or shave the region that is being treated.
Does laser therapy hurt dogs?
If the veterinarian who is performing the treatment has adequate training and experience in the administration of laser therapy and the treatment is carried out appropriately, your dog should not experience any pain as a result of having laser therapy done on them.
In point of fact, based on our previous experiences, we've found that when a handheld laser wand is moved back and forth over injured tissue by a veterinarian, this seems to produce a pleasant sensation that the majority of animals appear to find calming or relaxing.
Protective goggles are required to be worn by both the veterinary staff and the patients at all times during the session. This is because laser beams that are directed at the eye have the potential to cause irreversible damage to the retinas of both humans and canines.
How often should my dog get cold laser therapy?
The effects of cold laser therapy build up over time and become cumulative. To achieve the best possible outcomes, it is important to carry out treatments at the intervals advised by your pet's veterinarian.
How long does a cold laser therapy treatment last?
The length of each session varies according to the region of the body that is being treated as well as the amount of energy that is being distributed by the laser. The duration of a session of laser therapy can range anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes on average.
Before beginning treatment, we will conduct a comprehensive physical exam on your pet, in addition to taking x-rays if they are necessary, to determine whether or not cold laser therapy is the most appropriate form of treatment for them.
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.