Explore the amazing benefits of cold laser therapy for your beloved pet! Our experienced veterinarians at Gilbert are ready to explain the advantages of this treatment and how it helps dogs recover faster.
Veterinary Cold Laser Therapy For Dogs
Cold laser therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy or Class IV laser therapy, utilizes targeted light to boost blood circulation and promote cell regeneration. This treatment is non-invasive and does not involve drugs, making it suitable for addressing inflammatory conditions.
In recent times, it has been combined with conventional medical treatments to address soft tissue or tendon injuries, arthritis, and even to accelerate wound healing.
How Does Cold Laser Therapy Help Treat Dogs
Yes, pet laser therapy has been approved as safe and effective by the veterinary industry. It is capable of effectively treating various diseases, injuries, and conditions such as tissue injuries (like strains and sprains) and arthritis.
We frequently utilize laser therapy as a complementary treatment alongside other options to enhance the overall outcome for our pet patients.
Cold laser therapy provides several advantages, including:
- Enhance circulation
- Allowing the muscles to relax
- Decrease nerve sensitivity
- Vasodilation can increase blood flow ultimately increasing oxygen and speeding up the healing
- Reduce pain and swelling
- The release of endorphins
- Speed the healing process
In addition, laser therapy does not have any negative side effects and no sedation is required. You also don't need to worry about your pet missing any fur as cold laser therapy doesn't require the removal of fur in order to properly complete treatment.
What Are Some Common Concerns That Cold Laser Therapy Can Help Treat?
There are many conditions and symptoms that veterinary laser therapy can help with, including:
- 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 leaving them unable to take commonly used medications
- 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
Will my dog feel the laser while receiving treatment using veterinary cold lasers?
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, in our experience 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.
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.
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 Will Veterinary Cold Laser Therapy Benefit My Dog?
The duration of laser therapy sessions depends on the treated area and the amount of energy used. Typically, a session lasts for 5 to 20 minutes.
Prior to the treatment, we will conduct a thorough physical examination, including x-rays if necessary, to determine if cold laser therapy is suitable 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.