Laser Therapy for Dogs What You Need to Know

Laser therapy for dogs and other veterinary services offers a non-invasive, pain-free, non-surgical, and drug-free treatment. This treatment is used to treat various medical conditions and can be performed together with other therapies, such as medication and surgery.

We all enjoy having at least one pet. The dog is man’s best friend. It offers us unconditional love, all the time, and has proven to be, quite literally, a personal anti-stress trainer.

When our pet suffers, we often feel helpless because we don’t know how to alleviate its suffering faster.

What Is Laser Therapy for Dogs, and How Does It Work?

Laser therapy is a new, non-invasive, and painless therapy for treating pain, inflammation, edema, and repairing superficial injuries. 

Laser treatment for dogs uses deeply penetrating light to promote a chain of chemical reactions known as photo-bio-stimulation. Laser emission has immediate effects on inflammation by stimulating blood and lymphatic circulation.

Through biostimulation, the laser supports the restoration of tissues and the formation of scar tissue, accelerates the healing process, and reduces inflammation. It can also provide spectacular results in the management of chronic pain.

Laser treatment can improve:

• Inflammation.
• Pain.
• ATP (Adenosine triphosphate) production.
• Blood flow.
• Cellular metabolism.
• Collagen production.
• Protein synthesis.
• Enzyme production.
• Lymphatic flow and drainage.

Cold laser therapy for dogs

Cold laser therapy (low-level laser therapy LLLT or Class IV laser therapy) has countless applications for veterinary medicine, being used to improve and treat numerous medical conditions:

Musculoskeletal disorders

Laser therapy for dogs is mainly used to improve and treat inflammation and pain from the following medical conditions:

• Arthritis.
• Articular pain.
• Back and neck pain.
• Elbow osteoarthritis.
• Hip dysplasia. 
• Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD).
• Knee pain is induced by other conditions (torn ligaments, arthritis, or tendonitis).
• Spinal problems.
• Tendon weakness.

Other medical conditions

• Acute pain due to accidents or trauma
• Post-surgical pain.
• Anal and perianal fistulas.
• Ear infections.
• Facial nerve paralysis.
• Gingivitis and stomatitis.
• Inflammations.
• Nerve lesions.
• Periodontal diseases.
• Pododermatitis.
• Skin wounds and burns.

How Do We Know that Our Canine Friend Is in Pain or Discomfort?

We often don’t even know our pets have pain or discomfort because they hide it instinctively. When we see a symptom, the medical condition is already installed. Pets cannot tell us when they are in pain or have slight discomfort, and we feel that they are healthy and everything is ok.

It is best to pay more attention to our pets to realize in time if they are suffering from something severe or not. Among the most common clinical signs of pain and discomfort in dogs, we find:

• Gasping and rapid breathing.
• Aggression without reason.
• It does not accept being touched on specific areas of the body.
• Excessive licking in some body regions (i.e., painful areas).
• Excessive salivation.
• Lack of appetite.
• Walking in a circle as if it can’t find its place.
• Tremors.
• Limping.
• Difficulties in sitting or getting up.
• Apathy.

The Advantages of Laser Therapy in Dogs

Over 90% of canine patients show positive results after the third laser session. On average, treatment lasts 4 minutes for each part of the affected area, and a minimum of 10 sessions are required. Laser treatment for large dogs or dogs with extended wounds can last up to 30 minutes.

The effects of laser therapy are cumulative. Acute pain and inflammation are usually remedied quickly within one treatment session. For chronic conditions, several sessions are needed.

Advantages:

• It is non-invasive and painless.
• It can be applied to animals of any age.
• Short treatment time.
• Reduction or disappearance of pain, including neuropathic pain, in a short time.
• Strong anti-inflammatory effect.
• Immediate improvement of blood circulation with subsequent healing of superficial injuries, such as wounds or ulcers.
• Fast healing of fractures, dislocations, stretching, and muscle contractions.
• Rapid recovery of the structural integrity of injured muscles.
• Rapid remission of edema.
• Unlike some pharmacological solutions, there are no known adverse side effects.

Conclusion

Overall, laser therapy is a safe, effective way to treat a variety of conditions in dogs. It can provide relief from pain and inflammation, and promote healing. If you think your dog may benefit from laser therapy, talk to your veterinarian about whether it is right for your pet.