Cold Laser Therapy For Dogs: Important Information You Need to Know

What if we told you there was a painless, non-invasive, drug-free, and reasonably inexpensive alternative to treat joint difficulties, including arthritis, tendon and ligament injuries, surgical wounds, and a variety of other conditions in your dog that they might even enjoy? In comes Cold Laser Therapy. Although employing Cold Laser Therapy (CLT) on dogs is still regarded as somewhat “fringe” in the United States, it is gaining acceptance as more vets see success. CLT, which is beneficial in reducing inflammation, managing chronic or acute pain, and promoting healing, could be what your dog needs to feel better and heal faster.

How does CLT function?

Light Amplification Stimulated Emission of Radiation is what “LASER” stands for when it’s abbreviated. Many people associate lasers with searing beams shown in movies or lasers used to sever flesh during surgery. CLT lasers are “colder,” having a shorter wavelength, making them effective as therapeutic tools.

 

Laser therapy works by emitting photons, or light energy, into the tissue of the affected area/s (in dogs and humans). These photons act at the cell level (the mitochondria), resulting in a process known as “photobiomodulation.” Photobiomodulation generates ATP, the fuel required to increase the function of wounded cells and hasten their regeneration. This means your dog will experience less inflammation, less pain, and faster healing after undergoing emergency veterinary care. .

What are the advantages of CLT?

The advantages of cold laser therapy are numerous. Laser therapy is effective, practical, and reasonably priced. The therapies are non-invasive, drug-free, and can be combined with other treatments. They’re also completely painless, and many pets prefer treatments since they’re calming and make them feel good.

 

Laser therapy reduces inflammation, discomfort, and movement and speeds up cell healing. It aids collagen formation (which improves wound healing), stimulates tendon, cartilage, nerve, and bone repair, and lowers edema caused by injury or infection.

 

CLT can be utilized for acute problems like wounds or ear infections and long-term maintenance for illnesses like arthritis. This is beneficial because some senior pets may not tolerate pain meds. It can also be combined with drugs and other treatments to boost their effectiveness.

Will CLT cause pain in my dog?

Laser therapy is completely painless and can be quite soothing for your dog. Many puppies find it so relaxing that they fall asleep. CLT has little to no negative effects. Aside from the good impacts many pet parents experience, such as greater energy and mobility, most pets do not behave differently. Go to your vet or visit their website to learn more about this treatment. 

When can I expect to see results?

Because the results of laser therapy sessions are gradual, I normally encourage my customers not to expect a 180° shift overnight. While a positive reaction to treatment may not occur in a single session, the affected area normally starts to feel better 12 to 24 hours later. Significant improvements should be visible after the second week of treatment.

Conclusion

Laser therapy is safe when used correctly, with the appropriate settings and treatment durations. When handled inappropriately, higher-powered units can cause heat burns to tissues. Furthermore, laser beams focused on the eye can cause lasting retinal damage. Thus all patients and veterinary staff must wear protective goggles throughout therapy.