Along with traditional medicine, integrative therapies can help to enhance pain relief and improve healing speed. In this post, our Stroudsburg vets talk about cold laser treatments for dogs, what it is, the main benefits, and other useful bits of information on treatment using this technique.
What is cold laser therapy for dogs?
Cold laser therapy (also referred to as low-level laser therapy or Class IV laser therapy) can help to improve both the flow of blood and cell regeneration.
This non-invasive, drug-free treatment is used to treat inflammatory conditions. More recently, it has been used with traditional medical treatments to treat soft tissue or tendon injuries and arthritis. It can also be used to encourage wound healing.
How does cold laser therapy work in dogs?
Cold laser therapy works by using specific wavelengths of light to penetrate deep into tissues, stimulating cellular repair and reducing inflammation.
What are the benefits of cold laser treatments for dogs?
Some of the benefits that cold laser therapy offers are:
- Enhance circulation
- Allowing the muscles to relax
- Decrease nerve sensitivity
- Reduce pain and swelling
- The release of endorphins
- Speed the healing process
Furthermore, laser therapy has no adverse effects and does not require sedation. You also don't have to worry about your pet losing fur because cold laser therapy does not require the removal of fur to complete treatment.
What conditions can cold laser therapy treat in dogs?
Some of the conditions that a vet may use cold laser therapy for are:
- Chronic arthritis
- Surgical incisions
- Tendon and ligament injuries
- Traumatic injuries
You may have a pet that is unable to undergo the traditional method of treatment and therefore may benefit from veterinary cold laser therapy, such as:
- Pets who suffer from liver disease are unable to take commonly used medication
- Cats that are only able to use 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
Is cold laser therapy 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 our experience, when the vet waves a handheld laser wand back and forth over injured tissue, this produces a pleasant sensation that most pets find soothing or relaxing.
During a session, all veterinary staff and patients must wear protective goggles, as laser beams directed at an eye are capable of causing permanent damage to both human and canine retinas.
Is cold laser therapy right for my dog?
If your dog suffers from any of the conditions listed above, then cold laser therapy can be a good option. However, you should allow your veterinarian to assess your dog's specific needs and determine if cold laser therapy is a suitable option.
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.