One of our dogs was having issues with her hips, causing her pain when sitting. We were unable to give her medication due to other issues she had, so we opted to try laser therapy on her hips. Laser therapy for dogs is a treatment that can help your dog feel better and heal faster. This non-invasive method uses light to reduce pain, swelling, and speed up healing in many conditions.
This post will look at laser therapy for dogs, the benefits of laser therapy, types of therapy used for dogs, laser therapy protocols, and any side effects of the treatment.
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Related: What Is A Dog Chiropractor And Is Using One Right For My Dog?, Hydrotherapy For Dogs: What Is It & Can It Help My Dog?, Dog Acupuncture: What Is It And Can It Help My Dog?
Disclaimer: This post is meant to be informative and should not be taken as medical advice. Talk to your veterinarian regarding any health concerns you may have for your dog.
What Is Laser Therapy For Dogs?
Laser therapy for dogs is a treatment that uses light to reduce pain, swelling, and speed up healing in many conditions. It is non-invasive and can be done in your veterinarian‘s office.
Laser therapy uses waves of light to alter the cells in the area it is focused on. This in turn stimulates the cells, resulting in them triggering growth and repair of the tissue.
What Are The Benefits Of Laser Therapy For Dogs?
Laser therapy offers several advantages for dogs. It can ease pain, reduce swelling, speed up healing, and boost blood flow. These benefits make it useful for many common health issues.
Pain Management
Laser therapy helps dogs feel better by easing pain. It works on many types of pain, from sore muscles to joint aches. The laser light triggers the release of endorphins, which are natural pain-killers. This can make your dog more comfortable and active.
Many dogs show quick results after treatment. They may move easier and seem happier. Laser therapy can help with:
- Arthritis pain.
- Back pain.
- Muscle strains.
- Post-surgery discomfort.
Your veterinarian may suggest laser therapy along with other pain relief methods. It’s safe to use with most medications.
Reduction Of Inflammation
Swelling can slow down healing and cause pain. Laser therapy helps reduce inflammation in your dog’s body. It does this by:
- Lowering levels of inflammatory chemicals.
- Decreasing fluid build-up in tissues.
- Improving lymph drainage.
This can help with many conditions like:
- Skin irritations.
- Joint swelling.
- Wound healing.
Less swelling means less pain for your dog. It can also speed up recovery from injuries or surgeries.
Enhanced Tissue Repair
Laser therapy can help your dog’s body heal faster. It boosts the energy in cells, which speeds up repair processes. This is helpful for:
- Cuts and scrapes.
- Surgical incisions.
- Muscle or tendon injuries.
- Fractures.
The laser light stimulates cells to make more collagen. Collagen is important for strong, healthy tissue. It also helps new blood vessels form, which brings more oxygen and nutrients to the area.
Faster healing means your dog can get back to normal activities sooner. It may also reduce the risk of complications during recovery.
Improved Circulation
Better blood flow is key to healing and overall health. Laser therapy helps improve circulation in your dog’s body. It does this by:
- Widening blood vessels.
- Forming new capillaries.
- Increasing blood flow to treated areas.
This boost in circulation brings more oxygen and nutrients to tissues. It also helps remove waste products faster. Better blood flow can:
- Speed up wound healing.
- Reduce swelling.
- Ease muscle tension.
- Improve joint mobility.
Your dog may recover quicker from injuries or surgeries with improved circulation. It can also help manage ongoing conditions like arthritis.
Types Of Lasers Used In Veterinary Therapy
Veterinary laser therapy uses different types of lasers to treat dogs. Each type has unique features that make it suitable for specific conditions and treatments.
Class IV Therapeutic Lasers
Class IV lasers are powerful tools in veterinary care. They produce high-energy light that goes deep into a dog’s tissues. These lasers help with pain, swelling, and healing.
Vets often use Class IV lasers for:
- Arthritis.
- Muscle strains.
- Wound healing.
- Back pain.
The treatment is quick, usually taking 5-10 minutes. Dogs feel warmth but no pain during the session. Most pups relax and enjoy it.
Cold Lasers
Cold lasers, also called low-level lasers, use less energy than Class IV lasers. They don’t heat up tissue, which is why they’re called “cold.”
These lasers are good for:
- Surface wounds.
- Skin problems.
- Surgical incisions.
Cold laser treatments take longer, often 15-30 minutes. They’re very safe and don’t cause any discomfort. Some dogs even fall asleep during the session.
Both laser types can help your dog feel better. Your veterinarian will choose the best one based on your pup’s needs.
Laser Therapy Treatment Protocols
Laser therapy protocols for dogs involve several steps. These include assessing the condition, planning the treatment course, setting the session frequency, and considering costs.
Assessment Of The Condition
Your vet starts by checking your dog’s health issue. They look at things like:
• Type of problem (injury, arthritis, etc.).
• How long it’s been going on.
• How severe it is.
• Your dog’s age and overall health.
This helps decide if laser therapy is right for your pup. Your vet may use tools to measure pain or take images of the affected area.
Determining The Treatment
Based on the assessment, your veterinarian will make a treatment plan. This includes:
• Laser type (cold or hot).
• Power settings.
• Treatment time per session.
• Target areas on your dog’s body.
The plan is unique to your dog’s needs. For example, a fresh wound might need different settings than long-term arthritis pain. Your vet may adjust the plan as your dog responds to treatment.
Frequency Of Sessions
How often your dog gets laser therapy depends on their condition. Here’s a general guide:
Acute Conditions:
• First week: Daily or every other day.
• Second week: 2-3 times.
• After that: Once a week until healed.
Chronic Conditions:
• First month: 2-3 times per week.
• After that: Once every 1-4 weeks for maintenance.
Your veterinarian will set a schedule that works best for your dog. They might change it based on how your pup responds.
How Much Does Laser Therapy For Dogs Cost?
Laser therapy costs can vary. Here are some factors that affect the price:
• Your location.
• The vet clinic.
• Your dog’s condition.
• Number of sessions needed.
A single session might cost $30 to $100 USD.. Some clinics offer package deals for multiple sessions. This can lower the per-session cost.
Keep in mind that laser therapy is often not covered by pet insurance. It’s best to ask your veterinarian for a cost estimate based on your dog’s specific needs. Some clinics may offer payment plans to help manage costs.
Safety And Side Effects Of Laser Therapy For Dogs
Laser therapy for dogs is generally safe when performed properly. Knowing the precautions and monitoring your dog’s response are important for a positive experience.
Precautions And Contraindications
Laser therapy should be done by trained professionals in a veterinary setting. Protective eyewear is important for your dog during treatment. The laser’s power and duration must be carefully controlled to avoid burns or tissue damage.
Some conditions may rule out laser therapy. Don’t use it on cancerous areas, as it could stimulate tumor growth.
Avoid treating pregnant dogs or areas with active bleeding.
If your dog has a pacemaker, laser therapy near the device is not recommended.
Always tell your veterinarian about any health issues or medications your dog is taking before starting laser therapy.
Monitoring Response To Treatment
Watch your dog closely during and after laser sessions. Most dogs tolerate the treatment well and may even find it relaxing. Look for signs of improved mobility or reduced pain in the days following therapy.
Some dogs may show temporary increased soreness in the treated area. This usually goes away quickly. If discomfort persists or worsens, contact your vet.
Keep track of changes in your dog’s behavior, activity level, and symptoms. Share this information with your vet to help adjust the treatment plan if needed.
Regular check-ups are important to assess progress and make sure the therapy is working as intended.
Laser therapy for dogs offers a non-invasive, drug free way to help manage your dog’s pain and heal faster. It can be used for a variety of conditions and treatments can be done in your vet’s office. Unfortunately for our dog, we had to stop treatments after only a few sessions due to unforeseen circumstances, so we can’t say if the treatment was working for her. But it is definitely worth a try if your dog is experiencing a condition laser therapy can help treat.
For more information on laser therapy for dogs, please see American Animal Hospital Association, PetMD, Animals, Veterinary Medicine And Science, Today’s Veterinary Practice, and VCA Animal Hospitals.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.